Of Agathos

"So, what's it like? Family life, I mean."

Lucius was curious. Despite his being in his 30s already, he had been so focused on leading the house that he had deemed relationships unnecessary. It got to the point where some whispered that he was reserving himself for a political marriage. It was a notion that Lucius had entertained. However, the opportunity simply hasn't shown itself yet.

Quintus chuckled,
"Well, its nice. You have someone to come home to after a day of work. Someone who cares, you know."

"Yes, it does seem nice." Lucius would never admit it to anyone, but with most his parents gone and his siblings living elsewhere, he was lonely. Day after day he toiled alone for the benefit of Agathos. It would be relieving to know that someone was there for him, at the end of it all.

Still, it wasn't as if the Lord of Agathos could just find someone to love. No, he had steeled himself for solitude. He couldn't simply change his ways. It would bring shame to both himself and his ancestors.

As the pair walked out of the Great Library, Quintus looked off to the right and paused. Lucius, too, glanced in that direction, and saw Hera, Quintus' wife standing a little ways off. Quintus looked slightly stricken. Lucius knew what he was thinking: he both wanted to stay with his brother, but also wanted to join his wife.
"Go to her. I need to get back to business anyway."

His younger brother smiled embarrassedly,
"Sorry, we'll pay our visits at the palace later."

"I'll see you then."

As he walked towards the palace, Lucius briefly pondered on the whereabouts of Catullus, Quintus' twin. The two were twins in name only, having been born at the same time. However, while Quintus would dedicate himself towards one thing (e.g. his wife), Catullus would jump around, never truly committing himself to anything. It was behavior that frustrated Lucius to no end, and he hated himself for it.

He and his siblings had been taught to put family before all else. Quintus and Catullus, while each having their faults, would go the ends of the world to protect their loved ones, including Lucius. However, Lucius would even sell out his own family if it could make Agathos great again.

They all knew it, even his sister, Leto. While they had been incredibly close during her youth, she was now fearful of him because she knew that he wouldn't hesitate to marry her off against her will if it benefitted the state.

Lucius was conscious of it too, and he hated himself. He hated himself but he knew it was necessary. His father was wrong on this aspect, just like he had been with the Baynes. Family wasn't the most important thing, no matter how precious they were. No, the state came before family.

He was tired. Sometimes Lucius wished he could just relax for a bit. Set aside the worries and obligations for a day and be with his family once more, just like the days of his youth, when his father still ruled.

Those days were gone, however, and his responsibilities would not let him simply relax.