The city of Byzantium roared awake as the yelling's of Lucas became more apparent. Come one everyone! he murmured as he swirled around the palace.
His feet moved like a water, hands were like a wand--giving orders, expecting nothing but obedience.
He reached the Women's quarter, eyes scanning around the rows of servants. There in the far end was a woman Who seemed to be immersed in work.
Cecelia...?
The cloth she clutched--slipped and fell to the floor as Cecelia rose to her feet. Her brown-soil like ringlets dropping to the sides.
"Y-Yes, dominus?" she murmured, lowering her head.
Lucas's eyes flickered to the pile of undone clothes. "God speed to you"... (She shots him a look*)
"Doing an enormous amount of work...?" he murmured, teasing. Cecelia didn't utter a word as she dropped her head.
His eyes flickered again, as if to search then--Hmm... "You should have a partner, where is she?" he asked.
"I'm not sure Dominus" blurted Cecelia. Uhuh... tell her to get in here...! he ordered as she then fled.
----
Chip* chirp*
In a secluded room in the corner of the imperial palace.
Eleanor's eyes stayed shut. As she slept serenely on the mattress. Her eyebrows held a soft crease, as she moved her lips in a soft manner. Her nimble frame shifted with every breath.
The door to the room creaked then opened as Cecelia stepped in--"oh deus, Eleanor!" she murmured.
Still a sleep? Cecelia then reached for her, softly shaking her as her eyes fluttered opened.
Her vision faltered then focused on Cecelia--Her lips parted,
"W-What is it...?" she mumbled getting up. Her dazed blue gaze wandered as her eyes then darted to the bed.
How did I...? her voice trailed off. Then--the events of last night hit her like a terrain. Her hands shot up to her temple as she rubbed it in frustration.
"Oh Eleanor" Cecelia's voice came out worried as she reached for her shoulder, "Everything all right?" she asked. Eleanor's eyes darted, then she forced out a nod.
Soon the women got up--Making haste as they quickly got ready.
----- The prince's presence:
The (Palatium Imperiale) Imperial palaces' Mosaic art became more opulent to the eyes of the droves of visitors. As the soft glow of the torches in rows and the magnificent chandelier highlighted the palace's grandeur.
The scent of expensive cologne clung the air as guests talked.
Oh* oh* oh* what a pleasant evening...murmured some. Holding the delicate edges of the glasses as they brushed it against the others.
--"Oh indeed, my lady, indeed" The women fanned at their faces as they conversed on state matters to scandals and whatnot.
In the background--Moved the servants, quiet as shadow. Carrying orders. Though a particular to caught the men's attention.
Eleanor and Cecelia walked. The smell of vanilla and lavender clung to them as their light clothing grazed the marble floor.
Eleanor's hand clenched around the gold coated tray as they served between the crowds. Several men came--They conversed with the two women.
Cecelia held a gracious smile--Her eyes then flickered to her right. Seeing Eleanor's face, her brows furrowed.
Pst...pst..Nora...? She then shot her a lost look. "Smile"...
Eleanor nodded as she then forced one. A smile that barely reached her eyes.
The gathering soon progressed as his majesty's grace fell upon them. Emperor Augustus sat at his golden throne. His advisors and commanders were in rows.
Then--The door to the grand hall opened.
--Attende!
The crowd paused as Emperor Augustus's eyes flickered to the entrance. The men and women both watched. As Master Flaytus made his way in.
His eyes were sharp alike a hawk, his frame was towering--His presence demanded attention as he then met with the emperor's gaze.
Subtly he tilted his head--Then his eyes went to both his sides as if to search--His gaze then fell to a particular woman in the crowd.
Eleanor-Her eyes were on the ground--Seemingly uninterested. Her lips held a natural pout--Softening his brows.
"Oh my"... some women murmured-Making Eleanor shot up, her eyes then fell to Flaytus. The time froze as they both then stared at each other.
His eyes held regret as if to ask for forgiveness. without uttering a word: "Forgive me"... he tilted his head, will you...?
Cecelia's eyes flickered between the two, her lips curled in a knowing smile.
Meanwhile Eleanor stood. Her heart raced as she gazed at him as if to reply,
"Who am I... master? who am I to forgive you?... her head fell; I'm your servant... yet you act as if I owe you...
Second passed. he hesitantly tore himself away from her as he then made his way to the front--and knelt:
"I thank the almighty God for making me be in your presence...your majesty"
Master Aristos and the advisor shared looks of delight--Their eyes glinted in pride. (Flaytus stood*) --Because they had raised him. Seen him in his most vulnerable time. Now as a young man presenting himself to the emperor in the best manner.
The emperor nodded--Seemingly pleased with him as he smiled. His hand then rose:
Pergere... (Continue) he ordered--So they did. The guests carried on with their conversations.
Though the servants soon retreated to their quarters as they gathering was at its full swing.
To be continued>>>>>