A long and arduous affliction had forced Georgios to remain bedridden for well over a month. The sudden attack in his chest combined with the mucus plaguing his lungs had him miss the first of his daughters get married, the coronation, and now he was missing even more. He could feel it in his bones - even if those around him were keeping him from the truth. This way of keeping the stresses from him became even easier once the healer had dictated he be moved away from Vasiliadon and out into the country of his province. And though much calmer, he felt alone and annoyed the longer he felt tied to the bed.
As Agrianos presented itself, he couldn’t bear to sweat away the summer in the bed any longer. He had received a letter from Selene that announced the Crown Prince of Colchis was coming. That was a man he had to meet, especially the way the words spoke of him. Georgios had perspired through the night and left the bed needing to be changed again. It was likely they would need to purchase all new linens after this illness considering the awful yellow tinge the servants were struggling to remove.
However, the fever broke over the night and the Lord woke feeling refreshed. His hand shooed the current slave who worked in his room tidying items for another day. ”Don’t bother. I will not stay in here another moment.” He demanded as he moved his legs to the side of the bed, slowly due to the atrophy of weeks of bedrest. With a determined look staining his face, Georgios pressed palms against the bed as he moved to stand. The instant he was upright that expression morphed into triumph. It was like walking for the first time. A toddler stepping carefully a foot at a time with great thought.
Meanwhile, the slave had scurried from the room and down the halls of the manor to find the lady of the house. As a lowly servant, she couldn’t possibly speak against Georgios or push him back into bed. Her heart pounded through her chest as she rushed about. Her lips trembled as she stuttered to the mistress. ”My Lady, the Lord. He is getting up.” They were quick and obviously frightened words as she cowered, course she was the kind who remained submissive to all those that were around her.
The rays of the sun were just beginning to pour through the rounded windows of his room. His arm reached out to be showered beneath the warmth. A deep and healthy breath taken in and out as the mucus had finally cleared out from his chest cavity. The man might not have been one hundred percent, but it was good enough for him to continue through the room and towards the doorway.
Dressed in not more than the simple white fabric wrapped around his waist since the less he wore the less laundry there was to do through his sweating fits. He held the wall for a moment, just a pause . What he would give for a thigh and calf massage to rid himself of the pains as blood returned coursing through the unworked muscles. Without a care of who might see him shirtless he continued down the hall aiming for the courtyard to enjoy some time outside and among the flowers in bloom for late summer. The fragrance already hitting him as he kept walking.
With a full brood of daughters and a household to run, one would think Evelli of Leventi was far too busy to be running back and forth between Macendia and Vasiliadon, when it came to attending to her daughters and fussing over her ailing husband. But the truth was, Evelli had little choice. She was entirely too concerned over her daughters and their wellbeing to be too far removed from their affairs. Seeing as they had pretty much taken up permanent residence in the Leventi household manor ever since Olympia had gotten married, Evelli had generally instated herself there as well. Overseeing Theodora's marriage preparations was her prime concern, seeing as it was soon to come by.
Perhaps what the matriarch was most sorry about, was being unable to be by her third daughter's side. Olympia's pregnancy had happened at a tumultuous time. Yet while Evelli wanted to stay by Olympia's side, to do so would simply result in the new Queen being seen as incapable, that she would need her mother perpetually by her side. As such, difficult as it may be, Evelli had to content herself with sending her royal daughter missives. This resulted in Theodora getting the bulk of her attention, and would continue to be so until the end of her wedding that is.
But King Stephanos had ordered a purge on the Creed currently residing in the gorge not 10 minutes away from Vasiliadon and plaguing the nightmares of innocent Taengean citizens, and Evelli was not sure if she should say it had come at an inopportune time, or that it was perfect for her plans. For the wedding that was supposed to be over and done with by the end of the week, suddenly saw a need for it to be postponed, an idea that Evelli had not liked, but had little choice but to agree. A royal decree to hunt the Creed was not likely to clash well with a royal wedding between the son of a Prince and her daughter, and Evelli would fight hellfire then to have an unauspicious matter hanging over her second daughter's wedding.
With the menfolk gearing up for the Creed's extermination, Evelli had finally decided in taking the boat and returning to Macendia where her husband had been sent just a few days prior after the healer dictated Vasiliadon too stressful for her husband. That much, Evelli would agree. Georgios was far too eager to meddle in matters of their daughters and their prospects to sit still, and Evelli had a tough time strapping him to the bed whilst still keeping an eye out for her brood. That did not mean she did a bad job, however, simply meant it exhausted her by the end of the day.
Still, she had missed her husband, bedbound as he had been, and Evelli could be seen eagerly looking out the carriage window as the Leventi marked vehicle rumbled up the pathway that led to the main entrance of their family household from where it had waited for Evelli at the harbor of the island her husband's barony sat on. Upon entering the household, the servants were quick to inform the brunette that her husband was still abed (as he should be, Evelli though satisfactorily). That tidbit was enough for the woman to head up to her own private quarters, drawing a bath and freshening herself up after the journey from the capital.
By the time she was done and her brown curls down around her shoulders, her maid's helped her into a regular serviceable teal chiton with a golden belt, just as another ran up to inform her of her husband.
And he was getting up.
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, Evelli was quick to hasten her dressing process, eschewing slippers as she walked quickly down the hallway, a frown forming in between her eyes. Georgios was stubborn just as he was antsy, and one would've though Evelli would know that by now, after enough years of marriage. Yet she never seemed to be able to resist marveling at how much the man tried to push boundaries even when he could barely breathe just a month ago, enough to frighten the wits out of her.
Her frown merely deepened when she pushed the door opened and saw naught but an empty bed. Her breathe caught, and then the lady of the house held up a servant, her query immediate on the location of her husband. "I believe he has gone down the hallway, my lady. Towards the exit to the courtyard."
Evelli gritted her teeth. "Stop him, next time. Lord Georgios is in no health to be strolling around by himself. Strap him to the bed if necessary." she replied tersely, picking up her chiton. As unladylike as it would seem, in the province of Macendia, and away from the prying eyes of nobility, Evelli picked up her skirts and started jogging down the hallway towards the door the servant had indicated until she finally saw the shaky form of her husband, one hand on the wall occasionally. "Georgios! Stop right this instant." her sharp voice rang out, devoid of the usual affection she had in them when she called her husband's name.
Closing the distance between them, the Leventi lady caught her spouse by his upper arm, halting his motion in the same movement as she assisted his standing. Worry and frustration were etched across her features, her eyes roaming down his bare chest, the slight sheen of sweat on his skin, to the single white cloth around his face, before she swept her gaze up to her husband's eyes, her eyes glinting with a reprimand. "What do you think you're doing out here alone? You could have a fall and no one would notice."
Georgios hadn’t the slightest clue that Evelli was back at the manor. He did know that she had to go back and forth due to all the excitement their lives had to offer. Between his many hours of sleep, he barely knew what day or even month it was. He remembered what it was like when his daughters were toddlers, when they scattered every which way, the excitement of that. They were doing it again. They were making life busy and Evelli seemed to enjoy it. Just like when they were little and he had hopes they might stay smile and be his babies forever - time moved forward. This time they might disperse across the realm. It was terrifying to the old man and probably one of the stressful reasons that had attacked his heart.
Busted. He heard her voice cut through the air just as he had put a bare food into the sunlit courtyard. The tone was not lost on him, so he sucked in a breath of the fresh air quickly before he would be escorted back to the bed. He knew that she was not happy about what he had done. He had taken advantage of his station with a stern look and demand that he would be getting up that day. Evelli was the only one that would be able to send him back where he came without worry of repercussions. He took another unsteady step anyway, teasing her despite hearing her words not to move again.
Georgios sighed lightly when he felt her attach to his bicep. Attention drawing to where she was with a soft expression on his face. It was something of desperation. He had been bedridden for so long, he thought he had been going insane. Some might think that Georgios had the heart of a child and that bled into his everyday actions, others just assumed he was wholly and completely Taengean. Either reason, he leaned into his wife and allowed her to assist him.
His other hand reached around and cupped her cheek while a broad, charming smile grew on his face. ”But, I’m not alone. I have you.” It was obvious that it wasn’t what she had meant by her question, but he answered it this way anyhow. His voice warm and adoring, even if they had been having some differences. Maybe there was something to be said about a near death experience to put some priorities in place. Though, just for now. Because those same priorities also dictated that he was more afraid than ever to lose what daughters he had left.
”I will be fine. I can breath again. No more worrying yourself, my love.” He leaned in and placed a kiss on the opposite cheek he still caressed with a thumb to assure her. Georgios was not easily stopped when he set his mind to things. His lips parted again as though he was going to speak and he wanted to. But, he wondered what she would say about the long trip back to Vasiliadon for him. He wanted to gossip a minute, find out if the Crown Prince Selene shared about in her letter had arrived… and if they were going to accept the invitation. He wanted to be steady on his feet and well if that was going to be the case. But, he hushed to take some deep breaths instead, hoping to calm Evelli.
Feeling him lean into her was perhaps one of the few reminders Evelli had. Caught up in the rush of ensuring proper matches for all her daughters, chaperoning them when they went for court, balls or dinner parties, the elder lady would too oft forget that she had a loving husband who was also a doting father to their offspring. They had differing ideals, that was for certain. Evelli doubted Georgios would ever understand the reason behind her inherent need to ensure good matches for her daughter, but she considered it lucky that she had eventually found affection for her husband, a comfortable kind of love that she would soften around him.
Instinctively leaning into his palm when he cupped her cheek, Evelli rolled her eyes at his words, sweet as they were. They made her chest warm sure, but she had been married to Georgios enough years to know when he was scrambling to save his own behind from a tongue lashing Evelli had been prepared to give him. She had specifically warned him not to test his limits the day she had seen his carriage to Macendia off, he was not yet fully recovered as it were. Yet knowing Georgios, Evelli couldn't say she was wholly surprised to discover her husband doing exactly that when she returned home.
At the very least, as much as he had said those words to save his own arse, Evelli could tell he at least meant them. So instead of lashing at him as she had intentionally wanted to, the lady merely swallowed her harsher words, and heaved a heavy sigh as she peered up at him, as if taking a closer look would help her ascertain his health. "You're heaving, husband. I would not consider that fine." Evelli mused, using the back of her hand to sweep away any sweat that had gathered, before considering his half naked body. "Are you trying to tempt someone, Georgios?" she commented wryly, a hint of a tease in her voice, a half smile on her lips.
Giving in, Evelli turned to flag a servant down, giving brief instructions to bring a thin himation down to the courtyard, before turning to her husband. "Alright, but only briefly. And no doing this without someone accompanying you, alright? At least not till the physician gives the allowance to." It was hard to not give in when her husband was so persuasive - there was a reason why they had a brood of five after all. Hooking her arms under his, Evelli assisted Georgios out to the courtyard, the warmth of the Agrianios afternoon accompanied by a balmy breeze. Heading for one of the stone benches that was scattered around the compound, Evelli ensured her husband was seated first, before she took a seat next to him. Thanking the maid as she came up with a thin, almost sheer himation, Evelli leaned to drape it around her husband's bare upper body, murmuring as she did so. "I know it's hot for the month, but you don't want to catch another chill."
He huffed. ”Heaving?” His head shook at the thought. At least he could finally breath, even if he was easily out of breath. It was better than constantly needing to spit mucus into a cloth. That was no way to impress those to stay around him for entertainment. Georgios was no introvert. The huff slowly morphed into a sort of laugh as he grinned. ”Is it working?” A brow waggled at her. He was in no condition to tend to her as he would have hoped, but it was still fun to have a tease. He sweat from the mere steps it took him to move from the bedroom to the courtyard.
He was triumphant and the glee shined upon his face. Georgios barely felt like he was winning lately. She had been achieving the matches she held so dear for their daughters and he almost felt like being on bedrest she had been taking advantage. ”Are you going to stay here to accompany me… or would you rather attend to the Crown Prince?” There was a cheeky wink. He knew more than he should have, but that was thanks to missives from his beloved daughters.
Georgios moved with her as they made their way to a bench. It was warm from baking in the sun and felt good as he made himself comfortable. ”Will you call the physician to come at once then?” His hand strayed and toyed with a loose black curl of her hair. It was nice to have her at his side. Despite differences, at least they could count on each other. And he knew that. They could be apart and he was sure that she would be his and only his. He only wished he had been there to witness Olympia marry or part of the negotiations concerning Theodora. Course, it was better for his heart that he did not know about that mess.
There was a sigh and a grunt as he moved around to assist in getting the himation around his body. ”Strange to see you robing… instead of disrobing, my love.” A shift in his shoulders before his hands pressed against the back edge of the bench and curled under the stone to steady himself. His face tilted to the sky as he basked in the glowing light. Summer was his favorite season and he had been plagued for the majority of it. He mostly wanted to put to rest the fears that he would die from the chill of the winter just like his father had. He would get better, he would see his grandbaby that was due. It was the joy that kept him alive.
”Tell me the latest news from Vasiliadon. My brother behaving himself?” He closed his lids as he settled to hear from her updates of what he had been missing. It had been days since his last missive. The papers that had been piling at his bedside to be read and read again. It was by some miracle he had run out of papyrus to send his own scrolls out daily to all over his daughters, brothers, and other acquaintances. It was all he could do to communicate. But, now Evelli would have to indulge his curiosities.
Of course he would be in denial. Evelli resisted the urge to shake her own heard when he shook his. Whether it was denial or he had simply been ill for too long, Evelli could see Georgios's breath coming heavier then it used to, shallower as compared to when he had his full health, and that worried his wife. Until he could walk and talk and she could hear his deep laughter again, her worry would not be sated. She gave a short laugh when her husband teased, a familiar tone at least as compared to the waning one she had heard by his bedside over the last month. She took that as a good sign, allowing it to warm her heart even as she pushed his eyes away from hers, hiding a laugh. "Don't give promises you cannot keep, Georgios of Leventi." was her retort, before they sat upon the bench.
"He will be here on the morrow, and we shall check with him then. Patience, husband." the woman murmured, before casting the man a side-eyed glance. "Now why would you think I should attend to the Crown Prince?" she paused, and then narrowed her eyes at her husband. Oh, she had known of the Colchian Crown Prince's arrival just a day or two before she had left the capital city. The servant's grapevine had notified her that the royal party had been installed in the newly built Order House, and that the Crown Prince himself had been to dinner at Fotios's residence, right next to where the rest of her daughters was staying in the Leventi manor.
Before leaving, Evelli had left extra instructions to Selene to be 'on her best behavior' when it came to the Crown Prince. While Evelli would've loved to remain in Vasiliadon for the duration of the prince's visit if only to ensure her eldest went on the right direction of ensnaring his hand in marriage, the worry for her husband had outweighed her need to marry off her eldest. With two already on their way, the need was less prevalent now, which was why Evelli was by her husband's side in Macendia now.
Yet the cheeky wink Georgios had presented her had her skeptical, and it was a wary, curious look that Evelli had as she leaned in to her husband as she clasped the himation in front of Georgios, a flash of mirth in her eyes from his tease, yet quickly wiped away again as her mind worked, eyes gazing upon Georgios who was obviously enjoying being outside. She did not want to put too much unnecessary stress on her recovering husband... but Evelli's curiosity proved stronger then her will.
"Fotios is hosting the Crown Prince, and the King has summoned an army with him to seek vengeance against the Creed residing outside of the gates of Vasiliadon. The rest of our daughters are fine. Theodora's marriage is postponed due to the Creed... but I suspect you'll be glad for that. I think you may be able to attend her wedding now that tis postponed." she paused, and then gave a shrewd look at her husband. "But do not change the topic, Georgios. Why would you think I would rather attend to the Crown Prince, instead of being here?"
Waiting until the next day would have to suffice. Though he had half a mind to argue sooner. However, he knew that by tomorrow he would be even stronger and be able to prove to the healer that he was ready to face the world again. He would be ready to travel back to Vasiliadon and see everyone. Not that he minded the quiet retreat that he and Evelli had at the moment. He missed the little giggles of the girls in this very courtyard. The mix of dark and light haired girls they had been blessed with all growing into fine young ladies to turn heads around the realm. It was something to love and hate all at once.
”Of course he is.” He took in a deep breath. Fotios always had his hands in everything. He loved his brother to the end of time, but he knew all too well that he had been meddling with his daughters options. As though he didn’t have children of his own to put forward. This was interjected between when she paused to keep her news report going. ”The Creed.” He whispered the words. He knew who they were and he was there for the demise of the Circus. Stephanos had promised to take care of them and obviously wasted no time. ”I am happy. Is Theodora happy?” He hadn’t heard from her or how it was going with the son of Irakles. It was a good match, but that didn’t matter to Georgios. He wanted to see his daughters in love. He wanted them to spend their lives with good memories instead of disdain for the marriage they were stuck with. Georgios and Evelli had been lucky, it could have turned out much worse.
His attention was drawn back to his wife as she pulled the conversation back to a previous comment. Dark eyes opened to read her expression as best that he could. ”I didn’t mean attend to offend, Evie.” His arm reached up and wrapped around her shoulder. ”Don’t think that I am daft. I know that you would want Selene to sail back to Colchis with him.” He knew full well that it would be the dreams of both Fotios and Evelli to see his daughters both be called Queens. The Leventi’s would have ensnared their bloodline among all of them. It was a shame King Minas hadn’t had a son, because they would have sent a daughter to marry a cousin easily. His own marriage was proof in the strength Leventi’s saw marrying into themselves.
The only thing was that this match of Selene and Vangelis might be one of the only ones he would be on board with. He had read his eldest’s letter again and again and it read all the same. She had feelings for the prince and if he left again, well this might be her only chance. Georgios could get behind a match if it was what the daughter wanted, despite his pain inside to see them whisked so far away. He still had Imma and Nana to keep around and keep close. ”What will you do when there are no daughters left?”
She loved her daughters, do not get her wrong. Evelli wanted nothing more then her daughters to be happy. Yet safety and security came beyond the fickle emotion that was joy, and that was the one Evelli priotized above their foolish notion to marry for love, as she was sure some of them did. Luckily, Olympia had been a sound girl and not fell down that rabbit hole. She would like to believe Theodora was that way too, with how easily she had agreed to the marriage to Achilleas of Mikaelidas. The only one she had to work on was her eldest, yet Selene was also highly protected by her father, with a zealous need to allow his eldest to make her own choices.
Her husband's questions made Evelli cock her head, musing. "I suppose? She has been quieter ever since the coronation day. She was the one who had agreed quickly to the marriage, as you saw when Prince Irakles had come to offer the agreement. Yet... something seems off with her. I've yet to figure out why." her eyes flickered to her husband, peering. "Has she spoken to you?"
For whatever reason her second daughter had however, Evelli was clear on one notion - that she should not be backing out of the marriage. Making a mental note to have a talk with Theodora once she was back in Vasiliadon, she knew that the match with Achilleas was wonderful. The general was also a son of a prince, and the royal blood would ensure Theodora's security for years to come, and that was all Evelli wanted for her daughters, even if it killed her ensuring it.
Allowing Georgios to wrap his arm around her shoulders,she chuckled lightly at his half apology and clear pointing out that he knew what she wanted. Of course he did. Husband and wife has had many disagreeing talks over the matches she arranged for her daughters. Olympia's marriage to Stephanos was a sign of contention, even if Georgios knew there was no choice once their daughter was revealed to be pregnant. Her husband was one who believed in love. And Evelli did not fault him. She considered herself lucky that she had the love of her husband, the luck that her marriage was not one that caused her pain. But she also knew that love and humanly emotions did not give one monetary security or any form of security otherwise.
"Then I do not need to skirt around the issue with you then. But I believe Fotios has it well in hand. He has arranged for a dinner with Selene and the prince, which I know of but did not attend. That should help speed things along." she murmured, patting his hand on her shoulder, before she suddenly paused and gave Georgios a suspicious look. "You do not sound as if you are against the union and of Selene sailing back to Colchis." she narrowed her eyes again, her suspicions clear. Georgios had always been keen on knowing his daughter's feelings before marriage was arranged. Why did he seemed so agreeable now?
Leaning into his side, Evelli laid a head on his shoulders, the question he posed making her somewhat nostalgic for a younger year when she could still drag Nana on her lap, while cradling Imma and having her younger daughters run around her laughing. "Then we will have time for ourselves then, do we not?"
Right before she was sick, she had. Georgios had always been the worst at hiding his knowledge. There were tells that Evelli must have memorized as she gave him a knowing look as she questioned about what Theo may or may not have told him. The misunderstanding and the reasoning behind why she had so quickly agreed to the marriage to the Mikaelidas boy. The wrong one. He wondered if Evelli had been posed the same situation so many years ago having known himself as rumored the most attractive of the Leventi brothers. He rarely showed an ego with it, but the mosaic in the entryway that boasted his younger profile made it clear he did pride in turning heads once upon a time.
The pressures of Fotios were not something he could go against, not even to save his daughter from a lifetime of regret and pining. She had braved through the truth and it had gotten her nothing. ”Nothing important. I will reach out to her, if you wish. When I am back in Vasiliadon.” His ever hopeful tone to return to the city and preside over what he could. Even if he had little power in all that his brother was planning. He wasn’t going to give away his daughter’s secret so quickly. Evelli would have to try harder.
However, the change of topic from one daughter to another did little to ease his demeanor. He had secrets. Georgios had always kept an open line with his daughters, as much as he could. They knew that he wanted them happy, even if his hands were tied. A brow quirked to her comment as he returned a nod. ”I might not be. Though, Colchis is a long way away.” If it made Selene happy, it would make him happy. ”Just don’t pressure her too much, Evie. And do not dwell on the fact he is a Prince. He is just a man.” He leaked some of the information that he was given. Selene wanted it to happen organically. She wanted to find the connection without the worries of the titles they were burdened with.
He peered down to her head as she leaned against him. At least he was feeling well enough to be her rock again. The stability that she wanted for her daughters - he knew that he needed to continue to be that for her. ”You won’t tire of me?” He teased. They were getting older. They weren’t out of the game yet, but it was obvious they were quickly becoming a pair of setting suns. The sickness and how long it had taken him to recover glared into his face. Georgios no longer could deem himself invincible. But, his hand that had been around her shoulder toyed with the clasp of her chiton. He knew full well that he was taunting for a swat, but he couldn’t help himself.
After almost thirty years of marriage, Evelli had grown familiar to the telltale signs of her husband, just as he had to her. There was something almost comforting to the sense of familiarity between an old married couple. Still, she tended to take her husband's words sometimes, so when Georgios stated cluelessness on their second daughter's situation, Evelli pursed her lips a little unsatisfactorily, but let the matter drop instead. Nodding to indicate that she would very much like Georgios to speak to Theodora (for she knew they were all daddy's girls, save for Olympia, and had no liking for their mother's meddling ways), the woman snickered. She knew Georgios had no wish to send his daughter across an ocean, somewhere he would need to sail for a week just for a visit with his eldest.
"How am I not, when he is very much a Prince." Evelli replied, huffing slightly. "His position alone would grant Selene every security a kingdom has to offer. Just like what Pia has now. Selene would be foolish to toss such an opportunity away, what with Pia wedded and Theodora almost at the altar." She still had time to work with Nana and Imma, her two youngest. Imma especially would need extra pushing what with her head always buried in paints and easels. But she was young yet and had just about reached marriageable age.
Selene however, was way past marriageable age, and despite her famed beauty of which Evelli was immensely proud of, beauty could only last of a certain age. And Evelli was attempting to make use of the beauty as it lasted. She scoffed at court ladies who murmured on her eldest's age and unmarried status... but she too worried. It wasn't as if she had anyone to trust Selene's wellbeing to should anything untoward happened to her or Georgios. They had no male relative to take them under their wing if one discounted Fotios, and the man had three unmarried daughters of his own already. To be seen as a burden was the worst feeling, and she did not wish such on any of her offspring.
It was a worry she did not know if Georgios understood. Afterall, the man never had to worry if he needed a guardian or chaperone to go out himself. His gender granted him free of such worries... but Evelli understood what it would be like to be alone and unprotected. She did not want that for any of her daughters.
She heaved a heavy sigh as he teased her, and in the midst of her melancholy, Evelli chuckled. Her moods had been oddly helter-skelter and unpredictable of late, and she swung from being frustrated to being sad, such that usually happened before the female's flow, and Evelli had chalked it off to that. As such, her low mood was quickly dissipated with Georgios's words and his fingers on her clasp, to which Evelli was quick to catch and swat with her own, tilting her head up at her husband to cast him a warning glance. "Not here, husband, and not now. You know what happened the last time we decided that our bedchambers were insufficient for our marital activities." she teased, laying a hand on his chest over the sheer himation. It had been that chilled night more than a little more then a month ago that had led to Georgios's eventual sickness which rendered him to what he was today, and Evelli had no wish for a repeat, warm as the afternoon sun was.
Her smile was equal parts teasing and affectionate, and the woman sat up straighter off her husband's shoulders, shifting his himation again to ensure he was properly covered when a gust of wind picked up. "Do you wish to return to Vasiliadon soon then? Perhaps you could come visit the Crown Prince yourself, if the physician allows your travel on the morrow. I'm sure you would agree with my assessment of the prince. He would make Selene a fine husband."
He sighed some and shook his head lightly. ”Just slow down. Enjoy now.” It was often his recommendation for those around him. Georgios wanted more than ever to be sure that his daughters were happy. This talk of security was meaningless if they wouldn’t enjoy it. He was afraid for Olympia and her hasty need to be there. He even had suspicions that it was all some sort of plan concocted by either Evelli or Pia herself. He didn’t like to think of the women in his family that way, but his wife had a rather narrow focus on what was important at times. ”Just let Selene take care of it herself, hmm?” He twisted a brow hoping his wife would allow at least a little time before meddling into their eldests affairs.
Lips just smirked when she swatted him away. He knew it was coming and he was in no energy to actually go through with such flirtation. Instead, it was more a way just to tease his wife. She could be so uptight sometimes, so wrapped up in what the future held for their daughters. He just tried to pull her back. ”You can’t blame a little fun for my illness.” He argued with her. If she believed that it was the chill of that night, he was surely not to have any fun besides the bedchambers. Georgios shook his head lightly as he brought his attention to look around the colorful courtyard. Even so many years later the vines, fruit trees, and hibiscus flowers were vibrant.
”Yes, I suppose I should.” As he admired the beauty of the country manor of their province it was hard to come to that conclusion. Georgios had always enjoyed staying at the home and away from the stresses of the city. However, if he didn’t make himself present, Fotios would do his job for him. The head of the house was already doing more than he needed to. The decisions that couldn’t be changed and couldn’t be argued after the fact. He loved his brother and that was all he would say out loud, but inwardly it was much his elder brother’s fault that the daughters were married off - even if Georgios had managed to keep them in his grasp into their twenties.
The corner of his mouth pulled to the side. ”I did not say he would not make a good husband. Probably a great husband. I simply requested that you not pressure her.” It always seemed to snake back to the conversation of husbands. This man for a husband or that one. At least if he could get himself to Vasiliadon, he would be able to sideline some of the talks until his daughter was ready. ”Can you at least let one of the five marry for love? What is wrong with just one to be my decision?” As if three were enough, he could at least try to save Nana and Imma the pressures that came with the constant presentation at court to snare a good title.
It had always been a matter of contention between them, and Evelli could almost see it creeping up again as her husband sighed at her insistence on ensuring Selene would get married. Surely he would not be happy to hear Evelli had barged in to Selene's room just that morning before she had left Vasiliadon to arrive at Macendia. Yet despite her best efforts, her eldest was too much like her own father - unwilling to tell her anything. Did they not see that marriage was just like a battle plan, that required much foresight and strategy? Evelli was inclined to sigh herself, if she didn't feel that flicker of irritation past through her chest.
But the woman tamped it down. Her emotions had been getting the best of her lately, and she did not want to delay Georgios's return to the capital by getting into another row with him which may impact his health. So instead, Evelli gave a non-comittal hum, as she leaned against him again. His month long sickness had meant Evelli had had to shoulder much of the responsibility for their brood on her own shoulders. While she would not admit it, she had missed being able to rely on her husband occasionally, independent as she may be.
Turning to her husband with an incredulous look, her eyes clearly asked 'then what in the world is wrong?', the woman herself mildly baffled at what would be the big issue if the crown prince would make a fabulous husband. If Georgios agreed, then should that not be enough? "Where would love bring them if the husband is not able to provide for them then." she muttered as Georgios finished his reasonings. "I'm not saying that it can't be your decision, dearest. But if you and I are in agreement that the crown prince would make a great husband - as you have said - then what could be wrong with simply hastening the process?" Evelli pursed her lips, and then gave her own sigh. "It's not as if Selene is getting any younger. She may be beautiful, but neither you nor I can stay around forever ensuring her security." Her look turned forlorn, as she turned slightly away from Georgios. "It's not as if they have a brother to rely on."
That would forever be a sore topic, for in a way Evelli blamed herself for having never bore a son for her husband, even after giving birth to so many of their brood. While she loved all her daughters, perhaps having one of male lineage would have been able to reduce some of her eagerness to marry off her daughters, shave off some of her hard ways in ensuring good marriages to her offspring.
Before Georgios could reply, Evelli shook her head as if to dispel that thought from her head. She didn't want her husband to speak on the subject - it was more then likely to make her tear, what with her uncertain emotions lately. Making a note to check the calendar for her cycle, for the woman was fair sure that would be the reason for her emotional changes, Evelli turned back with an overly bright smile at Georgios, making a move to stand, and then extending a hand at him. "We should get back in, lest you catch a chill again. I'll send a servant to remind the physician to visit on the morrow. Our daughters miss your presence anyhow."
A topic that neither was destined to see eye to eye on. Something that they never would have had to broach if they hadn’t had such a plethora of daughters. Georgios loved each and every one as they came. He knew the rumors and questions over his virility, his dedication to gods, or her ability to carry a son. So many times they blamed the woman for something that was out of anyone’s control. No one knew what caused a boy versus a girl, but there were plenty of speculations. None of which Georgios paid mind to. He would get what he got and he was happy for it. Evelli, well, he thought if he were to pressure her to any more children and they had a sixth girl - she would cry herself into an early grave.
”They would have love. Even the poor can be happy despite their lack of lavish lifestyle.” He countered. Georgios had never lived in sqwaller in his life. But, if there was any high born Lord that would spent a week or year on the streets of Vasiliadon, Athens, or Midas, it would be Georgios. He often had a habit of talking with anyone and everyone while traveling ignoring many of the rules of social interactions. People were people. Just like he had lauded that the Crown Prince was really just a man. ”Because she doesn’t want to hasten it.” He whipped out words with a harsher tone. One that was more of a command to leave their eldest alone. At least for now. He needed to speak with Selene more, but he was confident that if what she said in the letter was true, that Vangelis was not leaving Taengea without her.
He huffed. ”Speak for yourself.” Georgios had nearly crossed the River Styx and he knew how close he had been. He just would never admit that he didn’t intend to live forever out loud. His daughters were not ready for him to be gone.
The aging Lord pushed up from the bench with one hand and grasped for hers with the other. He allowed for help, but only because he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t fall right back down without it. His muscles were still weak even while his mind encouraged so much more. ”Yes, my love.” His tone changed back to the doting husband he always wanted to be. It may not have always shown when they argued about the future, but he always loved Evelli. He had been lucky. ”I shall have his approval, or I will buy it.” A wink accompanied the last part. He would be likely to pull such a stunt. But, as long as he didn’t over exert himself in the city, he would be fine to return to some of the stresses of polis life.
His arm rested across her shoulders as she escorted him from the courtyard down the hall to their bedchambers. It was a blessing now that they only had a one floor manor, but there were times when he had always thought about adding a second story. No matter what an expensive feat that would be. His eyes looked up and then forward again to move through the threshold of the room. ”Can we get some figs as well? I want a barrel full of figs.” It was only then that he realized his first stop when moving around the villa should have been to visit the kitchen to scavenge for food now that his appetite was back.
She doubted Georgios would ever understand even if Evelli tried to explain the need, her want for a son. It wasn't for is benefit, nor was it for her own - it was for their daughters, the very girls Georgios would likely lay is life down for. For how could they assure that they would live forever? There were getting elder by the day, and if they were gone, the girls were left at the mercy of their uncle. While Evelli looked greatly and respected Fotios, he had three daughters of his own - her girls needed someone who would prioritize them. And if there was a boy in the family, he could be that guardian for them - even if he would be younger.
Love may be great, and ever since she had fallen for Georgios, she had no doubt she wished for love for all her girls... but love was not enough. Her husband may have his head up in the clouds, but Evelli was a realistic person through and through. She harbored no wishes that love would feed or clothe her daughters when they were reliant on someone else's generosity and good will. Nana, especially, would never be able to survive and be happy if she was want of a lavish lifestyle. And who would dress Selene and Theodora to their beautiful potential if gold was a problem?
Allowing Georgios to grasp her hand as he stood up, the woman eventually sighed, and followed her husband's movements. Holding him by his arm, she looped it around, and then allowed Georgios to lean upon her as they made their way back. The fresh air was good for him, and Evelli was glad to see color in his cheeks, but he was weak yet, and needed his rest.
Laughing at his flippant request, Evelli eventually gave an indulgent look at her husband, but nodded. "Of course, husband. But not a barrel, at least not in our room. I'll have the servants send for the fresh figs. And perhaps more food?" she teased, laughing together with him as they entered the main foyer of their house. As she led her husband to their shared bedchamber, Evelli felt a little of the worried knot in her chest loosen. At least, she no longer had to be worried if she were to be a widow anytime soon.
