Chapter 11 Begins

     So it came to pass King Therakles and his young Princess were getting better acquainted as he introduced her to the sights of Sparta and her citizens who welcomed her joyfully with open hearts. Now the Emperor, meanwhile, gave Queen Sparta a grand tour of the massive floating palace, all of which she, herself, was greatly impressed. Next he led her to his private chamber located at the prow of the ship whereupon he called for more wine. Then, dismissing his servants so the two monarchs could get out of the heat of the sun, and be alone to speak openly away from the prying eyes and ears of his sailors, servants and slaves, Cyrillus spoke saying "Thank you for staying a little while longer." he paused sitting himself down on a large plush bed covered in purple silk and white linens with soft cushions as he entreated the young, beautiful Queen to sit next to him, offering up a glass of sweet red wine asking her "So tell me.., what do you think of my daughter and your brother engaging in marriage?"
     "I believe she will make an excellent wife for  him, and he a loving husband unto her. I am confident Gianna will be a noble Queen Consort and a wonderful mother to their royal children." here she smiled sipping her wine as the handsome and charming Emperor gazed deep into her emerald eyes.
     "And you dearest Sparta.., have you any thoughts of your own marriage?" he inquired.
     "Why dearest Cyrillus.., how could I ever marry, when you have already taken a wife." she laughed demurely.
     "Oh Queen Sparta.., you should take care with the words of your mouth, for flattery will get you everywhere with me." he laughed giving her knee a little squeeze.
     "No.., as for myself, I have no present desire to marry, nor carry a child in my womb so soon. It is better that my brother provide an heir to our father's throne. For I still have in me a deep longing to travel the world shedding the blood of our enemies." she spoke plainly.
     "You are content with your brother establishing his bloodline in the succession of the Laconian Throne?"
     "Better him than me." Queen Sparta explained adding "There is much left of the spirit of warfare inside of me and I must fulfill these needs before I settle down into the creature comforts of matrimony."
     "I see, you are of a warrior breed, this is not an easy mentality to abstain from." here his thoughts turned in another direction as the happy look of mirth on his face transformed to one of great concern. "Tell me then.., what say of you of my brother-in-law?"
     "General Cothos?"
     "Yes." the Emperor nodded his head.
     "Well.., I have only just met him.., however, being that I am a Royal Queen, I can afford the luxury of speaking my mind openly, and honestly, without fear of offense or retribution. So I will say truthfully.., I DO NOT like him at all."
     "Why do you think that might be?" he asked inquisitively.
     "I have no earthly idea.., there is just something about him that I do not like."
     "This is good for me to hear, and you have caused me no offense." he said holding her hand.
     "No, I have not offered up offense to your family?" she asked curiously.
     "No, none. For I, myself, can no longer stand the sight of him." he sighed wringing his hands saying "In truth.., I loathe and despise him."
     Here Queen Sparta was shocked to learn of this discord between them and so she asked of him "Then.., pray tell, great Emperor.., why then, is he even still alive?" she said in disbelief, her eyes wide.
     "Therein lies a very sad and tragic story." he sighed sitting back with a heavy look of grief etched upon his face, so deep was this sadness in his heart Queen Sparta thought he might actually start to cry.
     "Tell me then, my new found friend, and ally, what is it about him that troubles your mind so.., and why have you not cut him down to size?" she waited for him to speak and tell his tale of woe and anguish and she grew more and more anxious waiting for him to speak.

End Chapter 10

     Shortly thereafter, King Therakles, the Princess along with the General sat themselves at the lavishly laid out table upon the open air deck, whereupon they joined the dinner party as Emperor Cyrillus spoke in a deep booming voice as he was wont to do, for after a few glasses of wine, the more inebriated he became the louder his voice grew in volume. "Ah, the Princess returns with her Royal suitor." he smiled light in heart, then noticing the look of disdain on his brother in-laws face. "I hope you two are getting better acquainted."
     "Why I should say so!" General Cothos spoke up, and out of turn, taking up a glass of wine in his hand adding "I caught them, just now, embraced in a passionate kiss, in the garden."
     Here the numbing feeling of shock and horror reflected in the couples eyes and hearts of King Therakles and Princess Gianna, who turned a deep shade of scarlet leaving them both choking on their wine a little out of shame. However, the Emperor only laughed assuaging all and any of their trepidations saying "Well then.., I see you are getting along together well." he said with a jovial laugh of amusement then he turned his attention to the sour face of the General telling him "Why the look of disapproval General Cothos?" he asked, bemused by the whole incident "For I can assure you.., when King Therakles marries my daughter and takes her as his bride, he will be doing much more than kissing her!"
     "Father PLEASE!" his mortified daughter retorted sharply out of utter embarrassment, discussing her maidenhead at the table; all of which the others seated around her felt was most amusing as the sound of uproarious lighter echoed in her ears, all, save the laughter of the young King of Sparta.
     "Now, now, there, there..," he spoke in her defense reaching for her hand saying "We must remember we should all take care when speaking of my prospective wife, the future mother to my children." here he paused for a moment gazing lovingly into her sparkling amber eyes adding with a devilish smile "But.., kissing is a great begging." his words bringing a sweet blush to her cheeks.
     "Dearest daughter, I beg forgiveness, do not take offense with your poor father, for you are the apple of my eyes, the sweet spot of my heart, sad as it is for me to say, you are no longer a little girl anymore." he took in a deep breath exhaling saying "It is time for you to grow up, and start a family of your own and I, and your family, will no longer get to see you as much any longer, for you will be living here in fertile Greece, raising a Royal Family, as you have been groomed to do so by your mother, sisters, teachers and others." Now here she was horrified for a brief moment her father would say LOVERS. She praised the gods in silent, thankful prayers as she breathed a sigh of relief taking a deep sip of wine, sitting back, breathing calmly, as she closed her mouth and listened. For now the true matter of the meeting turned from marriage to the warriors favorite topic of conversation, WAR and what to do about the tyrannical Phillip II.
     "Now, pray tell, what terrible news is coming forth from the north, what does the Athenians have to say concerning the threat of those Macedonians and their wretched king?"
     Here Ambassador Lacuna answered quickly "The sole ally of Athens in the North of Thrace is the ancient city of Amphipolis, near Mt.Piagon, Phillip tried to take the port of Eion but the Thracian's have blockaded the harbor with their warships. So now he has set his builders to construct siege towers to try and take the city; which has been fortified for a thousand years"
     Field Commander La Quint added "The mountainous region of Amphipolis is crucial, for there are several mines of silver and gold. If Phillip seizes control of those mines he would have enough funds to amass an army large enough to take over the world."
     "I believe this sleeping wolf has awoken and has a thirst for power like we have never seen before in any King." Queen Sparta said in a clear calm voice, her heart racing at the thought of the battle she fought in against the army of Phillip."He must be stopped at all costs. For I am afraid if we take our time, he will TAKE the WORLD!"
     "We are mobilizing 7000 troops and 400 of our warships to set sail in 3 days hence." Fleet Commander Vasha informed the Emperor.
      "I  know Phillip to be a skilled political ambassador, not one who is prone to the violence of War and bloodshed." the Emperor scratched his head saying "Before he became King he once told me 'there is no city wall that is impregnable, so long as you can slip a few horses laden with gold through the back door'."
     "Be that as it may.., now that he has tasted a little bit of power his hunger grows stronger for more of it every day. Diplomacy and bribery will not work in this case." Ambassador Lucia Vega said then with a quick little smile she said "Sometimes the best ambassador is a Warship."
     "As long as he keeps his army out of Greece.., but for the time being, after the brutal and total annihilation of Phillips last ally, Thebes, now completely destroyed and in ruins, I know our message of violence was well received. Therefore I am secure in the knowledge he will not commit any troops in the Peloponnese. Let him destroy Thrace, our hated enemy, as long as we can keep peace in Mother Greece, all will be well. Our trade, and harvest of grain and production of wine shall not cease." King Therakles stated boldly, his mind burden with many thoughts and concerns which come with ruling a mighty nation.
     Emperor Cyrillus sat up straight in his chair putting his wine to the side not having yet touched his plate of food telling the Spartans "I have been entreated by the Illyrians, who wish me to commit a battalion of my Legionaries to shore up their eastern border with Macedon in a show of force to keep his ambitions out of any ideas of moving his army to the western frontiers. For any foreign incursions could prove costly to Rome as we begin to settle into the new Etruscan territories we have newly conquered. Ergo.., I will send my men and envoys to Illyria to secure the region. If we can keep him moving southward into Lydia and the Persian cities.., then let them give him a taste of the Assyrian brutality and violence of bloodshed in battle so that we may live in peace." smiling Cyrillus turned to Queen Sparta asking her "Will you go forth with your army and engage the Macedonians for a second time?" he asked then began eating a little off his plate.
     "I desire nothing more than to do so, alas.., I am solely trained for fighting in the Themiscyran Division. Our fighting force will only engage in battle in the Peloponnese. For we women warriors are a highly skilled killing machine and we Themiscyran's are few and far between."
     "Ah.., WAR! It is a many splendid thing!" the Emperor said giving a somber look in his eyes for he himself had not gone out in years to fight, and he missed the thrilling excitement of fury, rage and the rivers of blood pouring out into the earth from the violence of his own hands slicing open bodies, hacking off heads and limbs with sword, without fear of death only embracing destruction.
     Here Queen Sparta and the Emperor's guests all noticed the far off distance in his eyes and they were all familiar with this look, so being a good guest, Queen Sparta changed the subject saying "My brother, our noble King appears to be the most happiest I have seen him in weeks!" she smiled glancing over at General Cothos sitting across the table from her and he gave her a smile back in return, but as she looked upon his face, handsome and rugged looking though he may be, she did not like him, though he was sexually alluring there was something about him Queen Sparta hated, though she, herself, did not know exactly what it was, so she continued with her conversation with the Emperor "At long last, after the countless, unworthy parade of royal maidens which I brought forth before him, whom were all found lacking, but here and now we.., perhaps, have found the ideal match in your beautiful daughter, my dearest Emperor Cyrillus, and of this I could not be more pleased" she said squeezing her brother's hand adding "Perhaps a marriage ceremony shall be performed in the coming weeks."
     "Soon we shall see." Princess Gianna replied giving Therakles a little wink.
     So it was the group, brought together for marriage and talk of war, made much discussion over their meal and the Spartans were delighted to feast upon the delicious plates of  braised lamb stuffed with feta and spinach, seared pork in fig and grape sauce with wild rice and mushrooms, grilled prawns served in cherry sauce and cold boiled shrimp with garlic butter, pan seared swordfish marinated in wine and rosemary, and a succulent dish of chicken basted in butter stuffed with eggplant and mozzarella cheese. It was some of the finest foods the group had ever tasted and Lacuna, Lucia Vega, La Quint ad Vasha were delighted to be dining on the fine Roman cuisine once again. Queen Sparta and King Therakles ate themselves into a sated feeling of comfortable slumber as they feasted there on the deck of the great ship, the sunset far off in the western horizon casting magnificent hues of coral and amethyst in the low hung clouds in distance. Whereupon King Therakles invited the young Princess to come ashore to Sparta to see the vast fields, the groves, and vineyards, as well as the great city and the Royal Palace. So that she might get a better feel for his nation and countryside. All were eager for her to join them and even General Cothos looked excited to go ashore and explore Sparta and her many delights. However, when Queen Sparta turned herself to depart the Emperor held her back saying "Let them all go, but stay with me a little while longer, for I am in need of the honor of your presence a little further."
      "Why I would be delighted." she answered sweetly bidding her brother and company farewell and she could see how this greatly displeased General Cothos and this filled her with a child like glee.
     Here they waited as the small group disembarked then the two went and sat in the garden on a large silken couch close together as he held her hand, then the Emperor of Rome gave a serious look telling her "I am so glad you stayed behind, for I have something weighing heavily upon my mind, for I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you, and you alone, for I need help and you are the only one I can turn to for assistance."
     Now here Sparta's heart grew more rapid in its beating and she sat there in the stillness of the silence after his words and she wanted to know the meaning of this deep, dark secret of his so Queen Sparta vowed that she, herself, would do anything necessary to help him "Tell me Cyrillus, how may I be of service?" 

More Chapter 10

     So forth they went, hand and hand together, over to the small temple where they knelt at the altar, before the high priest, giving up their sacred, secret prayers to their token gods, before presenting a small amphora of wine for the priest to bless. Here the couple went to the side of the massive ship pouring out the blood of grape as a votive offering of respect and love to the god of the sea, as was the custom of their religious practices, of which they both held in great respect, an admirable quality of youth. Here, were it not for the fact that Therakles was a full grown man, he would have easily been distracted by the huge floating palace the boy in him wanting to run off and go exploring the mighty ship to discover the secret rooms and chambers therein, however Princess Gianna was a remarkable beauty and he could not take his eager eyes off of her. As the sound of the gentle waves were lapping against the hull of the vessel seagulls cried out overhead flying by in the clear blue sky, Therakles turned back to see the priest had now departed the temple, small though it was, with 12 columns supporting a tiled roof where there were four large colorful mosaic scenes of the gods and goddesses relaxing on Mt.Olympus, strange it was that the living breathing creature standing before him now so pure and pious, looking more exquisite and ravishing than any goddesses portrayed thereof.
     "Come, let me show you something." the living goddess of his dreams spoke and Therakles knew, at that moment, he would follow her where she would lead. Walking down the long deck of the starboard side of the ship, the flirtatious Princess led him to a small garden full of fragrant roses and lilac bushes, where, in the center, set upon a large pedestal was a small statue of the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, as babes, suckling at the teats of a great black she-wolf, whom had rescued the children according to the legendary tale.
     "It is remarkable, the talent of the artisans of Rome might lead our artists of Greece a little lonely in the shade of shame, for this work is so lifelike." he opined with an artistic eye.
     "Ah.., poor Romulus" Gianna said pausing, gazing at the sculpture "Betrayed later by his jealous brother, who was so ambitious he could not share power or the throne..,  there could only be one king, in his mind, so he murdered his brother in cold blood.., what a tragedy." she said solemnly her thoughts deep and far reaching the mind of King Therakles.
     "So to honor him'" the King spoke "the city was named after him.., Rome.., and that murderous, King Remus, must have been despised and feared by his people." he paused then added "To the glory of Rome and ALL her citizens." Therakles smiled.

     Here the Princess did not return his smile with one of her own, only saying, as if speaking the true thoughts of her mind "Ah the glory of Rome.., where sometimes it is better to be feared than loved." here there came an untouched note of sadness to her voice then she said "Ah.., but then again are not fear and love just the same emotion only given a different name, two sides of the same coin?"

     Now this seemed a strange comment for her to make so the much learned King offered up his own philosophical explanation immediately. "No, dearest Princess, on this idea of yours.., we must agree to disagree. For I believe, as I have been taught by my father.., There is NO FEAR in LOVE. For Love; which is Perfect, casteth out Fear, because Fear is full of torment. So, thereby, whomever feareth can not be made perfect in Love." here he paused then looked deep and longingly into her eyes trying to peer into the depths of her soul and said "For if you FEAR me, dearest Princess, you can never LOVE me."

     "I can only love you, dearest King, when you love me." she said and her words filled his heart with hope.

     Then he gave a serious look as serious as the grave telling her "Yet we have only just met and know nothing of each others, heart, mind or habits. Although this marriage arrangement between our nations does not require love in any way shape or form in this matter" again he paused for dramatic affect as he was want to do "However, I tell you this.., in all truth and honesty.., I, myself would very much like to possess your love and hold that forever in my heart, for my very own." again he paused but this time he stepped closer to her, taking her dainty little delicate hands in his, pulling her closer whispering in her ear "With you my bride, I wish to play, I will give you gifts if you will stay, I will pick you flowers and presents bring and you shall be my Royal Queen."

     She heard his well chosen words of purple prose, feeling the hot breath; which smelled of honey, coming from his moist lips, standing oh so close then she pulled her head back slightly gazing up into his intense dark eyes telling him in a voice so sweet and kind "I have no desire for any of the gifts, with which you wish to honor me. All I desire, all I require, in life is pure unconditional love which is faithful and true."

     "I am a King, as you know and can see for yourself, I rule over men and land, but I can not, nor will I force anyone to love me, I can not buy your love, nor bribe you, because that would be false, untrue. Yet I tell you this much, my dearest, sweetest Gianna, of your love, I desire this one true thing, and I shall be restless in spirit until I obtain that of you which I so desire." here he once again moved very close to her body, his lips nearly touching hers as she took in a deep breath as he progressed "I feel a stirring of deep emotion generated in my restless heart and of this one true desire I shall be wholly satisfied if the Fates are in my favor. I pray one day you will let me come into you filled with the Spirit of Love, let me come into you." he sealed these words with a kiss, sweetly and gently without force with great restraint, causing a surge of energy to rush throughout their entire bodies and in this powerful connection the young maiden felt herself melt into the heated moment of gentle, tender loving passion. Were it not for the continuous rapid beating of her heart she might have very well thought she was lost, as if in a dream, or on the verge of dying.

     "PRINCESS GIANNA!" came the loud shout from General Cothus, her escort on the voyage, whom had been sent by the Emperor to find out the delay in the return of his absent daughter, and he gave King Therakles a disgusted look of disapproval of which the young ruler of Sparta was most embarrassed and displeased.

     

Chapter 10 begins

     Princess Gianna was welcomed by her father who bade her to join the small party as the Spartan dignitaries, whom all had known her since she was but a child, so it was Lacuna, Lucia Vega, La Quint and Vasha greeted her with open arms and little kisses upon the cheeks as was the custom of their Roman cousins, whom the Greeks knew to be a warm, friendly and generous people. Here all looked upon the face of the young 18 year old virgin, with skin as supple, clear and fresh as the morning dew upon the lilies of the field, her long raven tresses gathered behind her head in little twists and braids, exposing the flesh of the nape of her neck, her soft, white shoulders covered in ribbons of purple attached to her white linen gown which swirled about her in the gentle breeze coming up off the tranquil turquoise waters. Queen Sparta was taken by her comeliness and her brother stood their motionless entranced by this living vision of his divine dreams.
     King Therakles gazed upon her loveliness and for a moment nothing came to him to say, for his tongue was frozen in silent awe, whereupon, straightaway, a subtle flame surged underneath his skin, in a flash King Therakles could see nothing with his eyes, save only the image of her face which seemed to glow with a pink translucent aura as he was bathed in the light of her smile, all the while his ears were buzzing like the sound of bees gathering nectar in the sweet white clover. His heart raced so rapidly King Therakles, himself, felt a little short of death as he beheld her glorious presence and her hair smelled of cherry blossoms.
     "King Therakles?" Queen Sparta said in a hushed tone, nudging him the ribs with a sharp elbow as all waited in silence for the young smitten King to come back down to Earth again and speak, all while the young curious royal lady stared up at the handsome Spartan leader with her sparkling amber eyes, wide and bright, her expression one of excitement mixed with extreme anxiousness.
     For strange it was for the the Princess to see this young man, whom she had never met, yet had heard so much about, and she found it remarkable that he looked exactly like his father, King Vyakles, of whom she, herself, had met and come to know as a family friend on the many occasions he had traveled to Rome after the death of his wife Thera, the last true Queen of Themiscyra. Now it had been no secret amongst her family and friends that she had a mad, deep crush of love upon King Vyakles in her early teenage years, and it was true she did take to her bed for three whole days without food or drink, or any comfort, when she heard the tragic news of his death on the battle field during the Siege of Thebes. Oh how she wept a river of tears for that noble Grecian King. Now, as her pulse quickened, her palms sweating, here she stood face to face with this living image of Vyakles, who she knew to be so alluring, brave and charming, so she felt she should say something to break the awkward silence, yet, instead, King Therakles opened up his mouth and spoke in a rich clear voice saying "Forgive my state of being.., dearest Princess, for surely, even as the words come to my lips, I must confess your appearance has stunned my senses and I found my tongue frozen for I am so captured by that rarest beauty which you yourself posses, I can say now, by the grace of the gods and goddesses and the favor of the Fates, I feel the rapturous rapid beating of my heart which might cause me to perish. Should this happen I would die happy.., alas I would also be quite embarrassed." here he paused as he let his words sink into the buds of her mind like sweet honey melting over warm bread the he said "I praise the Fates, the Divine hand of Destiny, and I praise your mother and father whom have worked together to bring you across the vast deep blue sea, so that I, myself, rightful King of Sparta, may stand before you, humbly, only to tell you that it is a divine pleasure just to fill my lungs with the very air you breathe. I feel truly blessed among all the men of the Earth that I can feel the same sun shining down upon our skin, warming us with the touch of his golden kiss; which pales in comparison to the warmth given in your radiant presence."
     Queen Sparta, and all there, were taken by the passion of his speech, for she knew her brother to be charming and eloquent, but Sparta was touched by his words, everyone of which spoken in Latin, the Princess's native tongue. Before the Princess could reply Queen Sparta knew the sentiment expressed by her brother was genuinely from the bottom of his heart and everyone gathered there, at this first meeting of the Royal Couple, could sense at once, instantly, the spark of passion which had been ignited between them, as evident in Gianna's and Therakles' beaming smiles."You are.., King Therakles," she paused speaking in a sweet voice as soft as the cooing of a dove, choosing her words carefully as she did her best to speak Greek, a language she had studied for many weeks just to please the young foreign king "You are just as I have imagined you to be.., and the words you have spoken have melted my heart like wax over a flame." she smiled her eyes clear and bright, telling him "I, myself, and amazed and astonished to find you look so much like your beloved father, King Vyakles." here she turned her attention to Queen Sparta who stood there motionless as the two women stared at each other for the first time, the Grecian Queen towering over the diminutive creature with thin arms, tiny wrists and thin waist, but she had a pretty face and hips wide enough to birth her brothers giant babies, so she would do fine "Ah , and you are the famous warrior Queen of Greece, Queen Sparta! May I say you that you are the most beautiful Themiscyran woman I have ever seen." Princess Gianna said with a slight bow to the sister of King Therakles.
     "You may say, however, bare in mind, you have not met us all." Queen Sparta laughed making her foreign guest feel at ease in her Royal presence.
     "Come, let us sit together," Emperor Cyrillus spoke then being suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a tall man, dressed in military uniform, shaved head, and a long, thin white scar upon his left cheek. He approached the group confidently standing now directly in front of King Therakles and Queen Sparta then, eyeing the young Queen he opened up his mouth and spoke in a deep voice saying.
     "Queen Sparta, King Therakles, what an honor it is to finally meet the children of Queen Thera and King Vyakles."
     Now Queen Sparta, nor her brother, had ever met this man before, he was as if a stranger to them both, so Queen Sparta looked him up and down, he was about her height, 6 feet, eyes as black as night, rough skin burned by the sun and the sea wind, with thick arms and legs, broad shouldered and he had incredibly sweet breath which smelled of mint and apples. "And whom, Sir.., might you be?"
     "I am the brother of the Emperor." he proclaimed as if it was his birthright.
     "IN LAW! This is General Cothus, my brother-in-law." Cyrillus quickly spoke up, being sure to make the distinction.

     "General Cothus!" came the hails from the Spartan dignitaries as La Quint approached shaking his hand.

     "Come, as I was saying, let us all sit and feast together on this spectacular day." he paused turning to his daughter and King Therakles, who were standing close to one another lost in each others charisma and charms "Dearest daughter.., go now to the temple, make an offering of wine, take the young King with you, so that you may both go together and give up your prayers of thanksgiving to Zeus and Hera. Then return at once so we may discuss important matters of the future."

     "Yes father." Princess Gianna said with a pure smile of delight as she took the hand of the young King in hers, they were both filled with excitement at the thought of being alone for the very fist time.

End Chapter 9

     Now just before the treasures, and tokens of friendship were given out by the Rulers of Sparta and the Emperor of Rome, he himself paused saying "Yet.., wait a moment longer, so that I may embrace my dearest friends, your country's most beautiful Ambassadors, Lacuna and Lucia Vega!" Cyrillus exclaimed his eyes bright, smiling just as they had remembered him, as he extended his arms out in welcome, holding them both close to his body, giving each other little kisses upon the cheeks "How can it possibly be.., every time I am blessed with your radiant presence, the sun seems to shine a little brighter out of competition."
     "Ah, Emperor Cyrillus, the kindness of your words brings such light to our faces, bathed in the warm glow of your Eminence, that leaves us blushing by your flattery's." Lucia Vega spoke sweetly, happy to see him, whom both women had not seen since their last journey to the Eternal city one year hence. "You remember our husbands" she paused turning the Emperor's attention to the rest of the party who waited patiently to be acknowledged by him.

     "War Councilors..," the Emperor said in a serious look replacing the jovial smile upon his face "Field Commander, La Quint, good to see you again, and who could forget, Fleet Commander Vasha, most trusted friend of Great King Vyakles and Queen Thera!" Emperor Cyrillus said shaking hands with the men who had aged as well as he,  and it was with great joy in his heart that the Emperor beheld them all once again, for he had long known these dignitaries of Sparta, loyal friends to King Vyakles whom was much respected and admired. "It is with a deep sadness though, I can say plainly, for my Royal Friend and Ally King Vyakles cannot be with us here today, aboard this mighty ship, I had hoped he would have lived to see this day, the meeting of our children for marriage.., but, alas.., my heart is truly lifted at the sight of you, young King Therakles." he remarked as all turned to gaze upon the son of Vyakles "For is he not, my fellow friends, is he not the living image of his father when he was the same age?" here all agreed as the Emperor continued in his speech "I can tell you all gathered here beside me, I will say truthfully.., I can feel the presence of the spirit of your father, that brave and noble King, here with us this very day."
     "Blessed are the gods and goddesses." came the replies from all gathered at the throne of Cyrillus.
     "Come let us sit together, in good cheer, on this most spectacular afternoon, the sunshine coming warm upon our faces, the fresh salt scented breeze in our hair, let us sit and exchange gifts while we wait for my daughter, whom shall join us presently. Then we shall eat, a feast of delicacies from across the lands and the seas."
     Whereupon the group sat themselves down on large comfortable couches made of wood and bronze the headrests decorated with lions, with a mass of silken cushions in vibrant hues of purple, red and blue. Here the Emperor called forth a few of his many servants aboard, who brought out fine wine from the Tuscan Valley, a new territory of Rome whom had driven out the Ancient Etruscan civilization. Here then four golden chests full of treasures were opened up for King Vyakles and Queen Sparta, who were given the following: small figurines of horses, bulls and lions carved in ivory and ebony from the lands of Egypt, colorful mosaic drinking vessels of the finest Roman glass from Murano, along with small glass vials of rare perfumed oils from Lydia on the northwest coast of the Mediterranean, there were tiny carved rock crystal pawns for a board game common to both cultures. The next two chest contained 1000's of solid gold and silver coins bearing the image of an eagle in flight. The last chest contained two identical drinking vessels of silver in the form of the head of the wine god Dionysus, whom the Romans called Bacchus; which had trimmed in gold the eyebrows, beard and grape leaves adorning the rim of the cup like a garland. Next were two large conch shells which had carved into the pink surface was the portrait in silhouette the image of King Vyakles and Queen Thera; which the Emperor had commissioned from an artist from Acadia familiar with the likeness of the monarchs, and when their children saw this they wept a little to themselves. "These cameos are exquisite, the artist has captured their likeness truly, it is as if I am looking at a portrait of myself." Queen Sparta marveled of all this the young rulers were greatly impressed, along with their guests telling Cyrillus "You honor us with these glorious riches from your treasury. Blessed are you Emperor Cyrillus! Long may you rule Imperial Rome and her people who love and worship you. Salutations to the Emperor!" here all raised up a glass, drinking down the sweet blood of the grape.
     "Let us now so honor you and your family in kind." King Therakles spoke "As a token of the alliance formed between our two nations upon my fathers diplomatic efforts, we give these gifts as a show of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor." the young Grecian King signaled his guards who brought forth two heavy wooden chest taken from the palace, here they handed over a sword and scabbard to their King who, himself, smiled saying to Cyrillus "For your delight." here the Emperor was presented with a trove of treasures crafted by Themiscyran master artisans hands, whom themselves had no rival in the world when it came to the crafting of weaponry and the making of jewelry. "Your own personalized Themiscyran cyphos bearing the mark of the eagle as your cypher."
     "Absolutely exquisite." the Emperor of Rome marveled for Themiscyran blades were the finest ever made, both strong as it was flexible, unlike the weapons crafted by other nations who had not quite yet mastered the secretive art of crucible steel "Ah to hold this fine sword, ornately crafted is one thing.., but to possess the secret of its construction would be even better." Cyrillus teased with a crafty smile.
     "Come see what else we did bring for your pleasure " Queen Sparta said turning his attention to the chests taking out in her hands two solid gold bracelets, weighing some 2 pounds each, wrought in the image of a serpent winding its way down the wrists, like two exquisite gauntlets, the intricacies of the design meticulous down to each scale of skin and tiny little sapphires for eyes. This was just a small sampling of the stunning jewelry brought forth along with a hoard of necklaces, earrings, pearls, rubies and emeralds from across the seas as well as a stash of cosmetics and beauty products for his wife and daughters "What fine gifts are these, with which you honor me! The Empress will be well pleased!" he declared then, pointing with his left hand "Hark! Here comes the World's, and my, greatest treasure." All heads turned to see as the young and beautiful Princess Gianna appeared silently, as if out of nowhere. Now when King Therakles laid his eyes upon her face his eyes brightened and his heart lifted, his pulse quickening its pace, as he squeezed his sisters hand tightly in excitement for truly, as he lived and breathed, he was now standing face to face with the woman who had filled his visions of the future and haunted his dreams.

More Chapter 9

     So it came to pass King Therakles and Queen Sparta, each arrayed in their finest garments of crimson, white and gold, their golden crowns gleaming in the sun, as they rode out in their royal chariot accompanied by a small entourage of body guards on horseback and a few high ranking officials from the military and ruling elite. The excitement and anticipation grew for brother and sister as they hurried down the long winding road towards the mouth of the river on the northern shore of the azure Aegean Sea. The scent of the salt sweeping breezes coming closer amidst the aroma of juniper and cypress trees growing at the foothills of the mountains, thick and lush full of wildlife, the birds singing in the trees. Now the two had seen roman galley ships a few times in the distant past but, when they drew nearer, every member of the Spartan welcoming committee's eyes grew wide, as their mouths dropped open, for there, a few 100 yards off shore, moored in the bay was the largest sailing vessel the Greeks had ever seen, for this was no regular ship of transport, no this was a floating palace.
     "I can not believe what I am seeing." Queen Sparta whispered as they beheld the luxury cargo ship while being met at the shore by a small boat with a team of rowers and a few dignitaries of the Emperor, who escorted the two royal persons along with their guests, out to the huge watercraft the likes of which left the two rulers of Sparta asking many questions of the three emissaries whom had come to greet them and lead them to the presence of the Emperor.
     This is what they learned; the vessel was some 200 feet long, made of ceder and elm, held together by forged spikes of a copper alloy, complete with lead sheeting to seal the hull, there were also four giant anchors made of solid lead for the mighty ship, with its massive galley, towering masts, sails furled, rigging soaked with sea water, dried salted encrusted on the ropes and then there was the impressive swan necked stern.They were told of the a 2,000 ton cargo hold, filled with a treasury of goods, with such riches as: wheat, honey, fresh fruit, wine, wool, pickled fish and eggs, with stables for horses, cattle and goats, where, above deck, were flower beds, a rose garden with fruiting trees of all varieties, there was an extensive library on all subjects of religion, geometry, astronomy, medicine, etc... and there was erected on deck a small temple for the worship of Poseidon, whom the Romans called Neptune, for a god by any other name is still a god to the Greeks and the Romans alike, however the Romans were not as nearly as superstitious and religious as their neighbors to the east, the Greeks.
    Where upon King Therakles and Queen Sparta and their eager party, embarked aboard the the massive structure; which was as if a wonder of the world for their eyes to behold as they waited for the rest of their party brought aboard the ship to meet with Gaius Cyrillus the, long ruling, Emperor of Rome, who greeted them seated upon his golden throne located at the back of the vessel beside a grove of orange trees planted in huge wooden containers some 6 feet tall, serving as shade under the green canopy of leaves; beside his imperial throne stood two large bronze statues, one of the god Zeus, whom the Romans called Jupiter, hurling a lightning bolt, the other the god Neptune, whom the Greeks called Poseidon holding his mighty trident next to the ornately carved wooden throne, gilded in gleaming gold. "Blessed are the gods whom have brought us all here, safely, together, on this most glorious day!" he hailed them as he stood extending out both hands in friendship to the two young monarchs, who were just newly into their own rule after the death of their father King Vyakles, of whom was known to the Emperor personally, and the fearsome Vyakles had always proven a true friend and ally to Rome. King Therakles and Queen Sparta bid him hail as he stood there in all his imperial majesty, he was tall, broad shouldered, the body of a strong athlete, wearing a short white roman toga and sandals, a golden crown of laurel leaves covering his salt and pepper hair, cropped close to his scalp, with eyes as sharp and dark as the night sky with a flash of sparkle as he smiled, he was clean shaven, older, much more mature than her brother, his face darkened by the sun and etched by wind, war and age, but he was charming and handsome just the same, and, were it not for the fact that he already had a wife, Queen Sparta would have, herself, pledged her troth to the Emperor of Rome right then and there on the spot. However, putting her lust for this older, and more regal, most powerful gentleman aside, she did her best to form her words, though leaving her brother to do much of the speaking.
     "Emperor Cyrillus!" King Therakles spoke in a rich clear voice shaking his hand telling him "You are most gracious and hospitable to welcome us here on your floating palace, the likes of which we ourselves, can assure you, have never seen of before in our short lives, nor could we hardly believe or imagine a vessel this vast a size can take to the open sea!"
    "She is called 'Coronet' and sails mainly along the coastlines.., and to the outer islands on occasion, but she was not built, nor designed to take to the open waters, I had her constructed for my leisure and pleasure, and so it is with pleasure that I can welcome you all, at my leisure." the Emperor informed them as to the true purpose of the ships journey by sea.
    "I am quite impressed but I am looking forward to meeting your beautiful daughter, Princess Gianna, of whom I have heard so many wonderful things." King Therakles made mention of the young woman he still had not yet laid eyes upon and he was growing impatient for all this seemed far too familiar and so he became most anxious.
    "Ah yes, Gianna is preparing herself after her long journey, her maids are tending to her now.., as we speak. My daughter is looking forward to meeting you as well King Therakles and of this I am most pleased. Princess Gianna shall join us.., momentarily," he paused taking Queen Sparta by the hand saying, as he peered into her bright green eyes " but first.., let us sit and talk with one another for I have many presents to give."
    "Ah Emperor..," Queen Sparta smiled saying sweetly "You also have many presents to receive."