It seems that Sil was plenty bored today. Besides avoiding his older brother's attempt to get him back home, he had nothing to worry about. Not a problem, to the tavern then! Spending time to drink and flirt with everyone seems a decent thing to do. Humming to himself, the young man stepped into the dimly lit building after traveling by horse and looked around for an empty table.

Breathing out a small sigh of relief, he spotted a bare one right by a small window. Swiftly going over, he sat down and motioned for the tavern's keeper to come forth. Tossing him a few coins he ordered a potent brew and waited for it to arrive. Sil's blue eyes roamed around looking for the next victim hem he meant person to talk to... or if it was a woman, flirt. He didn't care if she was married or not. If she were married, then he would have to be very careful and make sure that her husband wasn't around to kill him.

When his brew arrived, he eagerly took a sip of it before letting out a loud sigh. Ah, it hit the spot. Over the rim of his mug, Sil continued to survey the place. No one caught his eyes yet, thought a few scantily dressed, giggling females waved at him. They fluttered their eyelashes at him as an invitation to come over. The young man's lips curled into a small smirk as he inwardly debated it he wanted to go over or not. They were beautiful women, and he was itching to flirt with something.      

What with her husband's insistence on bringing Dion out to train with actual weapons, and the hostile way in which Yiannis treated her after Vangelis had spoken out for her at the family dinner a few days prior, Evras was finding it more and more stifling to remain in the Kotas residences. And since Zanon had explicitly said that she was not to return to her family home, Evras simply decided that if she can't return home, neither would she remain in her husband's residences either. Besides, she had no wish to see Dion being put through his paces - to Evras, he was still her little boy.

So of late, the princess had taken to wandering the streets of Midas, exploring the nooks and crannies - with no retinue. Unlike many other royals, Evras had grown up surrounded by rumors and whispers. It has resulted in the fair skinned lady disliking attention, and bringing a whole retinue of maids, slaves and guards would definitely do that exact thing. As such, she had waved away any of the maid's that had wanted to come with, and had slipped past the attention of the guards.

The only form of protecting she had as of now was the small dagger she had tucked into her chiton as she meandered through the Agora of Midas, the bustling streets ensuring that Evras kept a close watch on where she walked. Her sky blue chiton was sheer, but not see through due to the many layers her slaves had wound around her. Held up by a simple brooch of ivy leaves on her left shoulder, as well as a golden woven belt around her waist, the accentuated her fair skin and dark hair, and brought out the clarity in her blue-green gaze.

Dark hair was braided, and partially left to hang loose. She would push it out of her eyes as the evening breeze picked it up and tossed it around. The hot summer air however, was making her parched after an hour or two of wandering, Evras had begun to realize just how parched her throat was, and made a split decision to enter the tavern. Oh, Zanon would not be happy. But honestly, Evras was past the point of caring.

Upon entrance however, her heart sank at how full the place was, likely due to the weather that everyone now sough refuge in a cold drink and a shaded place as they waited for the sun to set In a place of rowdy males and flirting females, the dark haired beauty suddenly had a very uncertain look, biting her lip as she casted her gaze around, looking for an empty spot she could settle in to.

The temptation of the group of ladies was too high for him to bear. His groins ached just thinking about them. He had to go and play with fire. Tilting his head to the side, Sil was about to get up onto his feet to talk to the group of ladies when the door opened, and someone new came into the tavern. Oh, it was a fair maiden who looked plenty lost. She didn't look like she belonged in this place at all. The woman seemed too pure in her chiton, and the brooch that pinned it all up seemed too expensive. If he had to guess, he would say that she was very high class if not wholly a royal.

The young man glanced back towards the group of woman who seemed to be waiting for his move before his gaze moved back to the woman at the entrance. Biting his lips, he couldn't decide whom to move towards to. Either one of them would be a risky choice, the more affluent woman, however, would be the more evil of the two options. Ahh! Sil own personal devil couldn't help but gravitate towards what he knew would be the wrong choice. Giving the woman behind him an apologetic look and a mouthed 'next time sweethearts,' he strolled towards the lone woman by the door.

Stopping in front of the woman, Sil gave her small smirk as he said softly, "Can I get a drink or two for this lovely lady? You look a little thirsty and a little bit lost. I think I can be a remedy to that problem." He gestured back to the small table that he currently occupied. "I have a table that seems to be calling your name. It is further away from prying eyes if you are looking for privacy. What will it be, milady?" He let his honeyed words drip off of his tongue as he waited for a response. While doing so, he allowed his eyes to roam the woman's body looking for any signs of her being married. He wasn't so sure of her class either... ugh. What a pity.

The din of the place was not something that Evras was used to. A woman of noble birth, she was more accustomed to the gentle strains of melodies in ballrooms, the soft chatter of people in a gilded palace. But unlike others, Evras also has sisters like Thea and Nethis, who enjoyed patronizing the arts. Often, the youngest of the sisters would follow her elder siblings out to arcus shows or matches, and as such, she did not feel as out of place as one should in the place.

However, when it was tough to find a place to sit, it was natural for her to feel a tad bit off center. As such, the smile that was directed when the young male sauntered up to her with an all too overconfident smirk - one that had, once upon a time stolen Evras's heart, when someone else had wore it.

It was a familiar air, the way the younger one swaggered. Evras's smile hid the hint of amusement, the ruby red lips she had been blessed with curling upwards. "I would be honored, sir.' Evras responded with a respectful dip of her head, as her eyes followed his flourished gesture to the empty table that had a tankard settled upon it. Picking up the sky blue chiton to above her ankle, that revealed the turn of her feet and the white sandals she wore, Evras nodded, and followed the male's lead to the table.

There, Evras quickly put in an order for a tankard of cold honeyed mead, eager to subdue her parched throat, before turning to the male again. "I thank you kindly for the offer, and apologize if I had intruded your peace. It seems to be a hot day, for many have entered this place for solace." her voice was soft, sweet almost, as befitting to Evras's personality. She had been raised to be a soft spoken, gentle young lady afterall. And something about the young male reminded her too much of the man she had fallen in love with, before he turned into the brute she now was attached to.

"I'm Evras..." she trailed off, not eager to give her full name. Too many rumors swirled around her name, both of her family and of her marriage. It gave her too much heartache, and if the new person she had just met did not know of anything... well, why put herself in an awkward position then?  "Just Evras will do. May I get to know the name of my savior from the heat and a full tavern, today?" A twinkle of laughter glimmered in her clear gaze, hints of the carefree, happy young lady she had once been surfacing once again.

The smile that had been directed towards Sil was a beautiful one, even if there was a hint of amusement in it. He had a feeling that either he was off his game tonight or perhaps she had just seen a lot of men trying to flirt with her. Ah well if it were the latter, he wouldn't mind. It just made his day more manageable. But if it were the former, he would be slightly put off. "Wonderful! If you please, come this way." He purred, eyes dropping to the slight amount of flesh that had been presented to him.

Sitting down, Sil raised an eyebrow when the woman ordered a tank of honeyed mead. Well, he really shouldn't be surprised since this was a tavern for crying out loud. If you didn't drink here, why would you be here in the first place? Eyes were traveling once more, as he watched the woman drink. It was rather a sexy sight. Blinking slightly, he was pulled back to reality when the woman started to talk to him again. Shaking his head, he gave her a slow smile and said, "No need to apologize. You are much welcome. I should be the one thanking you. Now I have a beautiful companion and my night now won't be so lonely." Tilting his head to the side, the young man nodded his head once more. "Yes it seems that there is a lot of patrons here, but I only have eyes for you." Her voice was soft and melodic, so pleasant to the ears.

Evras... Sil looked more closely at the woman's face. He had been thinking of where he might have seen her from, and then something clicked in his mind. Damn, was she the prince's wife or something? A wave of disappointment as well as a flood of anxiety. He did hit the boon today, didn't he? For all the wrong reasons. Well if she were, he would have to tread lightly. His brother won't be there to bail him out if he got in trouble with a royal woman. But by Hades, that reason never stopped him before so why now? Directing his gaze back to Evras, Sil smiled and murmured, "Evras, a pretty name for a pretty woman. Milady, I'm Silanos, but you may call me Sil if you want." Her laughter washed over him like a gentle breeze on a hot summer's day, delightful.

Her movements were gentle, slow but poised - habits she had picked up growing as a noble in the Thanasi household, every movement meant to accentuate her gender and her beauty, something that her father and eldest sister had sought to exploit ever since the fairskinned youngest had proved to be a beauty. But more then that, she had also been trained to spot when the male had been hooked, to recognize interest and in turn exploit that.

Now while Evras had always been hesitant to use the Gods given beauty and the talents her sister had insisted on teaching her before, ever since her marriage had went up in smoke, Evras had been... more then willing. Perhaps it was pettiness, or you can just call Evras revengeful. But with how Zanon had behaved to her after the Taengean visitor had came, the wife had had just about enough.

As such, she did not bother to temper her smiles and laughter as she was wont to do before in order to stifle the interests of others. Instead, Evras smiled freely as they sat down, and even offered that same enchanting smile that made her blue-green eyes glitter when the waiter placed the tankard in front of her, causing the young blooded male to start and hurriedly back off, shocked that a noble would show him such respect.

"Your night was going to be lonely? How... lucky I am to have stumbled upon your kindness then." Evras responded with a friendly smile in his direction, and then let it melt into a laugh at his flirtatious words. My, did all males work that way? A pang hit Evras's heart - her husband had been that way once, with the honeyed words for her.

No longer.

"Sil.' she tested the name on her tongue, not even bothering to use his actual name. It was proper... but Evras was done with being proper. if Zanon wanted to kill his reputation... well, Evras can too. It wasn't as if she had much of a reputation to salvage at this point anymore. "I find it fascinating that I have not seen your... charming face around Midas before. Did you just arrive here then, my lord?" she asked coyly, as she brought the tankard to her ruby red lips, taking a delicate sip while her eyes remained trained on his.

Everything about the woman lured Sil in even though he tried his best to appear calm and poised. Her looks, her voice, her smile... But he was always like this. Like how a moth is drawn to a flame every single time he was near a woman. He would never learn, could he? Oh, how his brothers warned him over and over to try and use his head not his dick for a change. But of course he didn't heed their warnings, why would he? He could do whatever he pleased. Knowing heartbreaks or ruin reputations were just a corner away, he still had to do what he did best, flirt.

Watching the woman act with their young server, he was amused by what he saw. Poor lad. Someone was going to have a hard time sleeping tonight. Letting out a soft husky laugh, Sil couldn't help but comment, "Milady, I see that I'm not the only one under your spell. The poor lad is probably now in a daze, trying to remember what his name is." A smile glistened on his lips as he gave her a swift wink. He picked up his mug and slowly slipped on his brew. Hmmm, he might need another if he wanted to keep longer company with his lovely companion.

Sil nodded his head and replied sultrily, "Oh yes, very lonely. Before a beautiful angel dropped into my lonely world, I thought I might have spent the whole night here drinking alone." He then added smoothly, "No milady, I'm the lucky one... to be graced with your beauty is an honor." He saluted her with his mug, draining it before signaling the server to bring more. He now needed something even stronger or perhaps the opposite, to be able to keep up the right company. As he heatedly looked at Evras, the young man detected some sorrow within her beautiful eyes. But he kept his mouth shut about it. He knew the time and place to say things, and this was definitely not a good time to ruin the good mood. If she didn't want to say anything more about her background, he wouldn't pry into her business. After all, it wasn't his business.

His blue eyes darkened into a more dark and stormy blue as he listened to Evras use his nickname. It flowed beautifully off her tongue, like honey. "Yes, beautiful, what is it?" He crooned before freezing up for a quick second at her question. Not unexpected, but it still caught him off guard. Sil quickly unfroze himself, and he murmured, picking and choosing his words rather carefully, "Charming... hardly milady. No, I've been here for a couple of days. It's just that Midas is pretty big, so we may not have had the chance to bump into each other." He didn't want to contradict her and say that he had seen her from afar more than enough times in court since he was a courier for the palace.

She gave a soft laugh at his comment, and tried to wave away his comment by shaking her head as if it was of no import. "You flatter me, my lord." she replied in a shy murmur, ducking her head as if embarassed by his compliment. Unconsciously, Evras had started chewing on her bottom lip, a habit she had picked up as the enviroment in the household she had married in began to cause her more and more anxiety.

Allowing the honeyed mead glisten on her lips as she placed the tankard she had been nursing down, the woman laughed. "Do you spout these flattery everyday, Sil? You seemed quite well versed with it." It felt odd to be so familiar with one's name when one had just met them, but Evras found it difficult to think of him as a lord when he was so forward in the way he spoke and addressed her. Returning his salute with her own, Evras sipped at her mead again, a smile now permanently etched on his face as she placed the tankard down again.

Evras did not miss the heated gaze he sent her - she had seen it before once. Not from him, but from a male she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with him. Much to Evras's consternation, unlike how Zanon's gaze making her heated on her skin, the way Silanos looked at her merely made Evras amused at almost coy, something she has not felt a long time. She nodded at his explanation, concurring that he did not stay in Midas.

"Ah, so you do not have residences here then. What are you visiting the capital for then?" her curiosity was a way in which Evras used to spark conversation, the art in which she had been trained of as a noble lady. Laying her hands on her crossed legs, her chiton riding up slightly due to the way her legs were positioned, Evras smiled at him in a familiar way. "If you need help, I am not opposed to offering. I have stayed in Midas all my life... I would not like if you got lost."

As the woman shyly denied his words, Sil gave her a charming smile and said, "I am not a huge flatter milady. I just say the truth and also what's currently on my mind. In which both happen to fall on a topic about you. I won't deny it and you shouldn't either. You are a very charming woman." He held her gaze for a bit longer before shifting it to her mouth. She was chewing on it rather hard, and that made him worry that if she chewed on it some more, it might bleed. A small frown appeared on his face as he murmured, "Milday, please stop abusing your luscious lips. If anyone is going to do so, then I should be the one." That line naturally slipped out of his mouth without him thinking about it. "Is something amiss? Have I said something wrong, beautiful?" He peered concernedly at his companion. He was picking up on her anxious mood again.

Watching the glistening mead on her lips, Sil was tempting to lean in and lick it off. Luckily for her as well as him, he had a little bit more self-control and also they were in public. 'No ravishing women in public' was a rule he had made himself abid. Her words pulled him back out of his hazy wants, and he gave her a low soft chuckle. "Oh milady, you wound me so." He placed a hand against his chest, pretending to be hurt before shooting her a teasing wink. Nope, he wouldn't admit to anyone about his bad habits even if it was evident in every action he took. Soon another mug was placed before him and the first one taken away. Looking down into the golden depth of his drink, the young man mused silently to himself that he needed to pace himself on his drink or something dangerous might happen. When he looked back up, he had a smug smile on his face when he saw the now permanent smile on Evras's face. Good, the woman was now in a better mood than before she had stepped into the tavern.

The heated look in Sil's eyes dimmed ever so slightly when he realized that Evras wasn't responding as much as he wanted her to have. He knew he ought to take it as a sign to stop, but his heart and head weren't into it. He was having too much fun to want to stop, but he wasn't going to force himself upon an unwilling person. He shifted slightly, moving away from her now instead of towards her. He picked up his mug and drank from it once more to cover up his sudden withdrawal. Shaking his head at Evras's question, the young man decided to continue to be cautious with his words, after all, they were heading to more dangerous grounds. "I do have residence near Valaoritis." He replied as honestly as possible. A small blush appeared on his face at his companion's second question. Dare he answer it? "I am in the capital for some business." He murmured evasively before a smirk appeared on his face as he added, "As well as for pleasure." He shot her another seductive wink. Hopefully, he wasn't going overboard with his antics. The alcohol was getting to him. Reeling himself back, Sil shrugged his shoulders at Evras offer and murmured in a deeper tone, "Be careful with your words beautiful. A man can misunderstand them easily. But I think I understand what you are trying to say and I'll be okay; I'm a big boy."

He made her laugh, and that was saying something. Other then Dion and Mihail, it has been a long while since Evras freely laughed with another, yet somehow this young man seem to enable her to do so with his sweet words and scrappy, rogue-ish ways. Evras dipped her head in silent thanks, but her blue-green eyes had dimmed in the sorrow she seemed to constantly feel, and a light sparkle had appeared in her eyes instead, making her feel more alive then she's had in months. Stopping the nervous tic that she did, the woman brought her fingers to her lips subconsciously, brushing it. "No, nothing... is wrong, technically." she murmured, her response soft. Hurt as she was by Zanon, Evras was unlikely to tell anyone their marital issues.

So she left the topic at that, and raised a wry brow when he implied that she had wounded him. Oh had she? Evras doubted it, and his teasing wink proved it. She chuckled again,her eyes raising in surprise at the other mug in front of him. Then again, she wouldn't be the one to judge what his tolerance for alcohol was, so Evras made no comment and merely nursed her own mead as he started on his own.

Valaorities? Ah, she's heard of the name before. Something regarding the death of the patriach and its eldest son, before the second took over. Not unlike the current drama surrounding Taengean court, really, even if Evras wasn't entirely sure of the full story happening in the neighboring kingdom. Evras had not known of the remaining two brothers however, and raised a brow. "Ah, are you the baron of Eubocris then? Or does that burden fall on your brother?" she murmured in curiosity, now leaning forward as she shifted slightly in her position. Her brows raised when a small blush appeared. He was capable of feeling shy? An amused smile spread across her lips, and then Evras laughed again when that familiar, rogue-ish smirk reappaeared.

"Pleasure? I'm sure I don't know what you speak of." she mocked ignorance, even while her cheeky smile said otherwise. Of course Evras knew, she thought with a pang to her heart, a flash of her sorrow in her eyes gone as quck as it came. Her husband frequented these 'pleasures', did he not? She really should move on at this point. His insinuation had Evras blushing immediately, the flush showing up clearly on her pale cheeks. Her mind had not went in taht direction, but one was hard pressed not to think of that when it was clearly pointed out to her.

"Ah, apologes my lord. I did not mean it that way?" Evras quickly responded, sheepish in her tone and actions as she gazed at Silanos from under her lashes. "I simply wish for the best hospitality for your stay in Midas." She smiled - oh he really was wanting to prove that he was grown up, did he not? Her shoulders relaxed, as did her position, and Evras picked up her mead again, taking a gulp. "I'm sure many fall for your words though, my lord. Your ... 'pleasure' must not be difficult to seek."

Oh, how he just wanted to bite it. But nope he needed to be a good little boy and not do anything that might harm his reputation... or in this case, hers. A look of longing appeared in his eyes before it disappeared when Evras began talking once more. "Hmm? Technically? If there is anything I can do, let me know." He asked hesitantly, not wanting to pry yet was curious as to how he might be able to help ease her worries or sorrow. He had heard rumors here and there but weren't paying much attention since he wanted nothing to do with politics and the royal family. But here they were, him and her. He reached out and gently grabbed the hand that was fingering her lips and gently placed it on the table. He didn't know if he wanted to release it or not. He will wait for her reaction.

Sil gave Evras a small smile see her raised eyebrows at the second mug on the table. "I like to drink among other activities. But don't worry, I can handle it..." He trailed off, thinking about the tavern fights that he may or may not have started. He had been way too drunk to remember, but luckily he got out of every one of them without getting to hurt. Even if she hadn't said anything, he knew what she was thinking. That got him thinking himself. Perhaps he should lay off the drinks tonight. It wouldn't be right to do something he might regret or not even remember enough to defend himself later if he had to.

Oh dear, they had now arrived at the topic in which Sil didn't want to talk about at the moment. He heaved a little sigh before giving her a tight smile. All the playfulness had mostly left his blue eyes. "The burden is currently resting on my brother's shoulders." He said in a dry voice, "Although he had been hinting for me to come back home." He dropped his gaze back onto the mug in front of him before drowning the rest of the brew. She had hit a sore spot and left his heart aching. Ah, damn it. Ugh, however, he quickly threw back the darkness that had been threatening to devour him once more. Looking back up at Evras, the amused smile on her face made Sil flush even more, but it went away as he listened to her laugh.

"Very funny, milady." Sil purred softly. He leaned in closer breathing in Evras's sweet scent. She was so close yet so very far away. Even if it was just a quick flash, almost making him thought he was dreaming, the young man saw the sorrowful look in her eyes once more. Why was she so sad, even when she was around him? He must not be doing his stuff right then. But SIl felt better immediately when he saw the blush on her face. "No worries, beautiful. Though it pains me." He breathed out softly. Nodding his head, he said, "Thank you, but I'm sure your husband might not like it if he has to host someone like me." Even if their families were on good terms as of right now, he didn't want to ruin it. "Many do, but the only one I wish right now is you." He then left it at that. He wasn't going to say more in case their conversation and actions strayed into dangerous territories... they already were on edge.

Did she see that wrongly? Maybe it's been so long that Evras was now imagining things. The Gods know that Zanon had barely even looked at her that day, and that night after the arrival of Lady Selene, Evras highly suspected it was the drink that had made his actions so forward. Otherwise, her husband wouldn't even touch her much less be in the same room as her. She shook her head, her dark locks falling to briefly brush against the top of her collarbones as she did so. "Tis a small matter, my lord. Nothing that needs much work on." Well, technically it needs a lot of work, but Evras was honestly quite tired of being the only one doing all the work. If he wasn't going to... well, then why should she?

She nodded, that amused smile still playing on her lips, deciding to take his word on the tolerance of alcohol that he had. Many men had good tolerance, but equally as many did not. Evras herself stopped after one tankard, and she mostly drank alcohol to ensure she kept warm as the temperature began to drop once the sun began to set.

It was somewhat funny, almost sweet the way he tried so hard to win someone over. Evras had no doubts that he did that with every female he walked past - but it still felt good to be the one someone strived to get for once, rather then the one a male wanted to get away from. So she allowed herself to bask in it for once, letting what seemed to be a sore topic go, and instead merely brushed his comments on her husband away. She did not wish to speak of him tonight.

"I would be remiss if I did not at least offer the hospitality of my company, if not the Kotas residences." she murmured in response. Evras did not fancy inviting people over to stay, since she herself felt like a stranger in her husband's family residence. But she was looking for any excuse to escape the Archontiko at this point. "Looks like I can offer you the pleasure of my company then... I should be heading back, but perhaps you could do me the honor of walking me part way?" She deliberately used the words in a different context, smiling as she finished up the last of her mead.

Sil gave Evras a small pout as she once more when she tried to push him away. So where the rumors actually true then? Perhaps that's the reason to why she wasn't saying anything? The prince, forgive him for saying, was a total bastard for even thinking of laying eyes on another woman if he had one like her. How hypocritical of him... He gripped the hand that he had been holding tighter. Evras either hadn't noticed or just decided to ignore the fact that he was still holding on. Brushing a thumb over the back of her knuckles, he murmured, "This not a small matter if it makes such a beautiful woman like you feel such sorrow. But who am I to pry to someone else's business. I'm sorry." He gave her an apologetic smile but still didn't drop her hand.

Oh excellent, the beautiful if not amused smile was not back onto Evra's beautiful face. Sil gave her another smile back in return, as he worked on his drink. At least, for now, he had convinced her that he could handle his alcohol. Let's keep it that way and make sure it stays that way. There was no need for him to lose her trust over something so small and insignificant. Plus it was easy to do, all he had to do was to pace himself and make sure he didn't get too overboard and drunk. But easier said than done of course.

Sil thanked his lucky stars that Evras didn't delve deeper into his personal life. He would have hated to get angry with her and left. It just wasn't something he did often, but he did have a bad temper when it came to personal family matters. Oh, it looked like Evras allowed his comment on her husband pass. Well, that was good, someone must be in a good mood right now. That thought left him smug as hell with himself. He gave himself a mental pat on the back for a job well done. Someone still had his game with him, even if it wasn't all that great tonight.

"if it is just your company you are offering, then I humbly accept," Sil said with a bright smile. As Evras announced that she was heading back to her home, the young man felt a pang of disappointment. It seems that their night was about to end, not that he wanted it to end. He was immensely enjoying her company. But if the lady wanted to, then so be it. He would sacrifice his happiness for her. "Of course beautiful, it would be a pleasure to walk you back partway. It wouldn't do for such a beautiful creature like you to be attacked while walking back. I would have felt horrible knowing it would have been my fault." He was done tonight himself, and for once he realized that he might not want to come back to visit the ladies he had all but forgotten in the back of the tavern.

Oh, she had noticed. It was a different sort of warmth, but warmth all the same. A part of her wanted to pull away, but the small voice in her head told her to just savor it for now, whatever little bit she could get. When would she next get the chance at the same anyway? It wasn't as if she had much of a reputation that left in Midas. Many who knew her avoided her for a multitude of reasons - the rumor of her being a Thanasi witch, being the outcast of the Kotas family, the forgotten wife of the second prince... the list went on. So to have the favorable warmth of another seemed quite nice, for once.

But her conscience came knocking soon after, and as he apologized, Evras shook her head. The way he had brushed his thumb over her knuckles felt familiar, the type of familiarity that brought a pang to Evras's heart. She missed her husband. Missed how he used to laugh at her, kiss her knuckles, brush his thumb gently over hers, as if she had been a precious cargo he was loathe to give up.

No longer though

As the conscience screamed, Evras gently let her hand slip out from under Silanos's own grip, a gentle smile returning to her face. "Do not be sorry, tis simply matters I do not wish to burden others with." she politely responded, her smile turning wry as her gaze dropped to the table, for once breaking contact with Silanos's eyes.

Laughing once again (for he could make her laugh, which was a shock. Evras had rarely laughed for a long time if it was matters that did not concern her son), she pushed back the chair she had been seated in, and took a step out towards the doorway of the noisy tavern. All at once, the din came rushing back - had it seemed like they were in their own private bubble before? Evras had not realized, but now she did, and could not wait to get out of the noise. "I should think no one would want to attack me. I have a reputation." she replied as she made her way out, cautious to avoid bumping into other patrons as she found her way to the door.

It was a refuge that Evras craved as they exited the tavern, and almost instantly were transported to the tranquil evening that seemed to have melded into night. Lamps had been lit by the lighters, oil lamps which would eventually fizzle out before it turned midnight. While the light it casted was sufficient to watch where they went, it was also just enough to cast shadows that hid alcoves and crevices. Evras stepped into the lit street, and turned to wait for Silanos before she made her way down the street. A content smile had appeared on her face as the cooling breeze provided a nice change from the packed tavern they had just exited. "How is Eubocris like, my lord? I must confess, I have never been to many provinces, despite having lived in Colchis all my life." she asked, as they fell in step next to each other.

As the warmth of Evra's hand left Sil's, he felt a jab of disappointment course through him. But he knew like always this feeling would pass and be all but forgotten like a pleasant dream or perhaps if lucky, might stay in his mind like a warm memory. "Alright, if milady says so." He murmured with a tender smile, so unlike the smirks, he had given to her earlier. "But do remember, there is always someone longing for you, even if they are not I." That statement was more authentic than all other statements he had said all night.

Another stab of hurt coursed through Sil as he watched Evra break eye contact and dropped her eyes onto the table before them. Damn, he must really have made her feel awkward. Good job, mister. Good job. He thought to himself rather sourly. His mood only rose a fraction when his companion laughed softly once more. The young man's head spun. It was hard to keep up with Evra's moods. One minute she was sad, then the next happy. Where all women like this or did he happen just to pick a unique one?

Sil silently got to his feet after Evras stood up from her chair. Tilting his head to the side, he regarded the woman beside him with a small, sad smile as he said softly, "Do you believe all that is said about you, gorgeous? Rumors are just snide things jealous people say to everyone else about a person. One really shouldn't believe rumors nor reputations, however bad or good. I am a firm believer of seeing for one's self. What I have seen tonight defies all rumors and reputation that might have been surrounding you." His eyes smoldered for a second before he dropped his gaze and slowly followed Evras out the door.

The blast of fresh air did nothing for the burning within Sil. But it slightly relaxed him. Lazily he turned to Evras and shrugged his shoulders at her question. He ignored the fact that she had called him milord once more. "Eubocris is like any other provinces, beautiful. Just a lot more mountainous. You would probably love it there if you should visit in the future." He closed his eyes and allowed the cool night breeze to ruffle his hair as he breathed in deeply. He must admit that the breeze did clear his head a bit of the light perfume of Evras's scent.

It was like a war in her head; Evras would spend a while feeling bad that she was actually laughing and coyly flirting with a man outside of her husbands knowledge, and then the other side of her brain could rear up and fiercely remind her that he had been doing the exact same, so why shouldn't she? And it didn't help that although she knew the flirtatious intentions behind Silanos's words, Evras couldn't help but actually take some of it to heart. Was it so wrong that she wanted to know someone wanted her? Instead of looking at her like she was a witch all the time?

Like the tide that rose and fall, she was finding it harder and harder to grapple with her emotions these days, thrown out of order as they were by the way in which her life had been dished out to her. So for tonight, Evras was beginning to realize she really just wanted to stop thinking for once. "It is hard not to believe, my lord, when tis all I hear when I go out." she finally responded, after letting the silence spread between them as hey strolled down the streets of Midas. "But I thank you." At that, Evras turned a grateful smile in Silanos's direction, one that had been sweeter then the ones she had worn back in the tavern. Caught off guard by the gaze he gave, Evras ignored the jump of her heart rate, and focused on keeping her voice steady as she spoke again. "It has been awhile since I've had someone like you in my side of the fight."

The stroll was an easy one down the streets, with barely anyone passing them due to the late hour. Many had returned to be with their families, many yet back to rest after a hard day of work. Listening with interest as Silanos explained about Eubocris, Evras found it interesting to hear him talk about his home province. Of course, many of Colchis provinces looked the same, the mountainous kingdom not providing much in terms of variety. "It isn't as busy as Midas, is it not?" she murmured, wondering if it held a type of peaceful calm that Evras would love to enjoy.

"I think I would. I'm keen to visit, although I'm not sure if my position would allow me... Perhaps in the future, I'll make it a point to visit." her words accompanied her smile as she turned a corner of the road, and headed up the road towards the Upper Levels where the Kotas residences were located, when she paused. "Perhaps you should leave me here, my lord. I would not wish for you to veer too far away from your own residences." Evras mentioned as she pivoted on her feet to face him, looking slightly upwards so her eyes could meet his.

Anger and disgust rose in the pit of Sil's stomach... or it could be the feeling of the alcohol he had been drinking. He couldn't believe he was hearing such things coming out of a lady's mouth. Such a disgrace to mankind. Closing his eyes, he took a few deep breaths to stop the ramble that was threatening to come out of his mouth. She shouldn't need to hear any of the horrible comments about her being a witch among other stuff. When he finally opened his eyes back up once more, he shook his head and gave her a gentle yet a little bit bitter smile in return of the sweet smile Evras had granted him. "You are most welcome. There should be more people who are willing to be your champion. You are a goddess who should be worshipped, not hated. But, I am honored to be called 'yours,' in a long time." He lifted up a dainty hand and gently brushed the back of it with his lips, keeping his gaze locked on hers. Due to the smile as well as the feeling of skin, blood was now rushing throughout his body, making him feel things he shouldn't be feeling and think things he shouldn't be thinking.

On the road, with his mind between two places, Sil absently walked next to Evras as he talked about his home province. Nodding his head slowly in agreement, he murmured, "No you're correct, Midas is busier than Eubocris. But I am thankful since it gives my brother more leeway to handle other important stuff." He glanced over at the woman and smiled at her statement about wanting to visit. His eyes twinkled merrily at the thought. "Please do. I may find time to sneak out and visit again." He gave her a bold wink.

The two of them began to slow down when they reached the road towards the Upper Levels. When they came to a complete stop, his heart sank, knowing this was where they had to part. That was the smart thing to do. But a part of him had different ideas altogether... a stupid idea that could probably get him in trouble or worse killed. He decided to allow that part to take the lead. Shaking his head, he dismissed the idea of just leaving Evras by the side of the road. Perhaps it was the alcohol talking as well as thinking, but he said firmly, "No, let me take you back to your door. It is only proper for a gentleman to do so." His blue eyes shone determinedly down at her.

Without waiting for a response, Sil gently took Evras by the hand and pulled her towards the Kotas Manor. Oh dear, it seems that the effects of the brew he had been drinking were now finally kicking in, for as of now he felt invincible. Coming to a stop, the young man turned to his companion and stared down at her for a few seconds. Then he did the unthinkable. Leaning down, he hesitated for a quick second before planting a soft kiss upon Evras pretty pink ones. It felt like heaven. He lingered for a few more seconds before coming to his senses altogether and quickly turned to flee the scene after saying a hasty good night. Oh dear gods, what had he done?

While Silanos was out on the town, enjoying the simple pleasures of life with someone else’s wife, his older brother Timaeus had spent his evening in the Kotas Manor dealing with the responsibilities that came with his title. As the vassal of the royal house, the young baron had to spend many evenings meeting with the various men of the family to discuss matters such as politics or the state of Eubocris. Personally, he found the matters tedious and awkward for the man who, even after two years, barely knew what he was doing. Luckily for him, the Valaoritis had a tradition of just going along with whatever the larger house did and Timaeus didn’t see any reason to break that anytime soon. After all, he was too inexperienced and had too little to risk rocking the boat. Whatever Kotas said, Valaoritis did. It was a simple system that worked well for four generations and as far as Timaeus knew, it would continue to function like this until one of the houses collapsed.

That didn’t mean though that he was freed from the political dance he was forced to play whenever he had a meeting with the family.

Tonight had been no exception. Earlier, that afternoon, Timaeus had received an invitation from Prince Zanon to talk about the state of Eubocris after the Wrath of Boreas and an invitation from the royal household was something that the Baron couldn’t refuse. So, as much as Timaeus wanted to follow his usual evening plan of shutting himself up in the wine cellar and nursing more than a few bottles through the night; he dressed up in all the finery a Baron was expected to wear and made his way to the royal residence. Luckily, he hadn’t spent the evening cold turkey as Zanon had graciously kept the wine flowing throughout their discussions of how high the river had flooded, how many homes were affected, and what the province needed to recover. Of course, scattered in between these conversations were politely-subtle inquiries about how Timaeus was going to vote in the Senate when it reconvened, countered of course with Timaeus’s questions about the condition of Prince Vangelis. Both, of course, knew the answers before they were asked; however, Zanon wanted him to vote and not to be disclosed at the moment. The hours-long conversation may not have seemed overly productive in the end, --probably due to the fact that both men spent more time drinking than anything-- but when Timaeus went to leave he had the promise of the import of fresh water and a slightly increased supply of food to aid the people until the flood water fully receded. Although these actions may seem like very little, it would do a great deal for the recovery of the Gorge and it would keep the people appeased with the Valaoritis house for just a little while longer.

That had been more than what Timaeus had hoped for.

So, when Timaeus said his goodbyes to the Prince and made his exit, he was exhausted but relieved that the night had been a success. With any luck, Timaeus would be able to go home with the shipment of supplies and be able to check on the two members of his family he had left behind in Eubocris. However, the moment he opened the door and stepped out into the night air, he knew that it would probably be a while before he saw Periellea, his mother, and Roxana, his cousin, again.

Because who else would be standing there, but his little brother, Silanos, with the Princess Evras.

It may have been the wine flowing through his system and dulling his thoughts, but at first, Timaeus was confused at the sight. After all, what was his brother doing out here with Zanon’s wife? However, as he glanced at the startled, but blushing, face of the princess and the familiar way his brother was moving back from the Princess did it fit together in his mind.

Silanos had just kissed Princess Evras.

Timaeus had just watched his brother, a no one as far as the political system was concerned, kiss the princess who was also the wife of a prince and most certainly off limits.

What the actual hell did Silanos just do?

With an uncontrollable, but all too familiar, rage built up with him, Timaeus reached out and grabbed the back of his brother’s chiton before he could make his signature getaway. “Oh no you don’t,” the baron growled as he latched onto the fabric, trapping his brother in his grip. The fire in his eyes was unmistakable, he was enraged and as far as he was concerned, Silanos was now a dead man.

Unable to control his emotions, he snapped at the younger version of himself, “What the actual f--- are you doing!?!” Kissing another man’s wife was bad enough, but kissing the wife of a prince? Kissing the lady of their pledged house? Did Silanos want to kill himself via public execution?! Even in his slightly drunken state, Timaeus understood what his brother seemingly did not. There would be consequences for this action and they would be severe.

And there would be nothing Timaeus could do to protect him.

Still holding tight to his brother’s chiton, Timaeus used his free hand to shift his grip to Sil’s arm before turning to the princess who had to witness the spectacle unfolding. Pulling his anger inwards just for a moment he said to her, “My apologies Princess, but this boy,” he said with a sneer to his brother letting the insult, as Sil was well over age, sink in, “Is not going to be bothering you any longer.” He then gave the princess a slight bow and pulled his brother towards the gate, away from the Kotas manor. It was easy for him to do as the elder brother had the muscles built by his years in the military and the sheer drunken anger to do it. It was a good thing that Tim had the upper hand though, who knew what else Sil might have done if he hadn’t appeared.

Once they were far enough away from the manor to be out of earshot, Timaeus released his brother with a small shove forward. However, he wasn’t going to get off scot-free as Tim was now free to release his full rage upon his heir, “What were you thinking, you idiot!?! Do you not realize what you have just done!?!”

Lord help Valaoritis if they were going to get out of this one unscathed.

Zanon had actually been looking forward to his meeting with the Baron of Eubocris. Of all of the things he’d taken on with Vangelis’ injuries these meetings with the barons about the plans to rebuild after the storm that had shaken their realm were by far the most interesting. It was what his brain was best at after all, calculating and planning strategies and finding the best way for the people and baronies to restructure and move on was exactly in his comfort zone. He wasn’t mobilizing armies or planning strategic attacks, but mobilizing food and water resources for the citizens of Colchis was close enough for now.

It was lucky that Baron Timeaus had as much of a taste for wine as he did, and in spite of the business of the meeting and the political dance that needed done, he enjoyed the other man’s company. And he enjoyed wine. Once things had been settled, the resources ordered and plans put in place, the second prince bid his companion a good evening and strolled leisurely back to his rooms. It was a fine night and he wasn’t quite finished with the amphora of wine.

The balcony outside of his room was small but serviceable, and from there he was able to monitor the comings and goings in the palace. With his cup full, he took another sip and watched below for Tim’s exit, narrowing his gaze at the two people approaching from below. It was difficult to make out exactly who they were at first, but by some trick of the gods the moon shone and their heads tilted at just an angle that he could make out the one face that mattered as the couple kissed. His wife.

”WITCH.”

Anger no, fury, that was what he felt now. It blazed through his chest and took hold of him as another man took what was his. In that moment all of his fears and agonies were confirmed and he threw the goblet as hard as he could in their direction. Whether it struck her, him, or Tim who had entered the scene, or if it fell flat he didn’t care, all he wanted to do was hurt someone, break something.

”Sword.”

Zanon barked the word out at one of the servants who had come running to investigate the sounds from the balcony, striding past them without pause as they ran to do his bidding. He had one track of thought at this moment as he stormed through the halls of the Kotas mansion, holding out his hand as he heard running footsteps behind him and taking the hilt as it was offered, discarding the sheath behind him. He wouldn’t need it for his purposes anyway.

Tim already had ahold of the other man, dragging him away from the scene and he made a mental note to thank the Baron for his quick action. He wanted nothing more than to run the man through, but first he had to take the witch that he’d married in hand. Reaching out to grip her by the back of the neck, Zanon held tight as he stepped forward to threaten them both. If Tim allowed it he’d kill her lover before her eyes. His voice was gruff with anger and his grip tight on her neck, caring little if he hurt her.

”Timeaus. Turn him over to me.”

Perhaps why Zanon's rejection of her hurt the most, was because of the reason she suspected was behind it. That he had begun trusting the rumors that surrounded her. She had so many thoughts on the reasons why; that she no longer had the beauty he once sought, that her figure was no longer as slender as he liked, that he believed the words of the public of her being a witch. But out of all of them, he last would sting the most. For that meant that her husband did not trust her, even after eleven years of marriage, and eight years of bliss. None of that could go against the word of the public.

She really thought she knew him better.

Which was why Silanos's words were like a balm to her heart - it was uplifting to know that someone like Silanos who had just met her and properly conversed with her today, could believe in her so much. Much more then her own husband, who she had once upon a time thought knew her better then anyone else. Evras smiled, shyly averting her eyes to her feet as they strolled. Being called a goddess did that to one, after all, and the kiss he pressed to the back of her knuckles merely made her cheeks flush further.

Evras had assumed that he would leave, but he caught her by surprise by insisting to walk her right to her door, and her heart jumped to her throat when he grabbed her by her hand and pulled her towards the manor, hand around her fingers. Where was her husband? Zanon's temper was something Evras did not want to trifle with - especially of late, the display in their room the other night scaring her more then she'd care to admit. But Silanon was apparently not taking no for an answer, despite Evras's arguments.

By the time they got to the steps, she had paused breathless in front of him, loss of what words to use to thank him.

But she didn't need to.

The kiss caught her off guard. It was sweet, chaste, merely a brush of the young male's against her own ruby red ones. But it did its job in taking her breathe away. Evras barely registered how Silanon backed away and said quick goodbyes, her mind halting the moment she had felt lips against her own. She had never felt other's lips, other then her husband. And it was different. In that instant... whether it was good or bad, she was not sure, but she knew any kiss Silanon gave was far different from Zanon's.

Barely with enough time to collect her thoughts, the door swung open before the young one could even dash off, and Evras felt her pale skin flushing when she saw an elder figure she recognized as the Timaeus, a male she had had the pleasure of gaining acquaintence of just a few weeks prior.

And apparently, the brother of her new companion.

Watching as the elder grabbed Silanos by his chiton, a part of Evras felt bad when she saw him snapping, and Evras was about to jump in in Silanos's defense, yet was stopped by the baron of Eubocris's quick words, giving her no chance to respond before he dragged her away. Watching, a small smile had started on her lips, as she turned on her heels, about to go in to the residences, when the door was flung open again,and before Evras could even look to see who was it, her head was jerked wildly, a loud gasp escaping her as she found herself dragged down the steps after Silanos and Timaeus by none other then her husband.

It was painful, his grip. Tight, with fingers digging into her skin hard enough that Evras had no doubt it would cause her bruises, it brought tears to her eyes, and she had little choice to follow his drag. "Zanon! Let go of me!" her voice was high pitched, as she squirmed and gasped in pain even more when the movement further made his fingers dig in. Lopsided now leaning into his grip in order to reduce the pain as much as she could, barely registering how gruff his voice was, she lay a hand over his wrist and gave a fierce tug, "Zanon let go!"