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.