Sunday, May 17, 2015

Chapter 12

     Dawn the next day. Overcast clouds kept back the sun that late Spring morning as a light mist of rain gently fell over the Spartan plain, whereto fore Queen Sparta lay asleep in her bed as a loud, familiar voice came in her ear "Wake up!" her brother shouted as he sat himself down in the bed next to his sister, who opened her eyes, her heart racing, his voice pulling her quickly out the peaceful embrace of a deep sleep, after hours of drinking and talking with the Emperor into the wee hours of the night, plotting and scheming.
     "Go Away!" she shouted, her head pounding, stomach churning her tongue dry as the desert sands, Queen Sparta rolling over trying to rest again, whereupon her brother went up on all fours bouncing around the bed like a frightened dog, shaking the bed making her laugh. "Therakles! Stop this at once lest you force up the contents of my stomach all over the sheets."
     "Oh dear sister, did you have too much to drink last night?" he asked raising his eyebrows with a stupid look upon his handsome face.
     "Not too much! It is just.., well I am not accustomed to the Tuscan wine, for it is as delicious as it is potent and somewhat of a shock to my system." Queen Sparta said rubbing her head saying "Now, I pray of you brother, suffer me no longer and let me sleep a little longer.., or bring me some medicine for my pains, for I require much cool water, sweet bread, raspberry jam, butter, and cheese, bacon and sausage, with hot tea with lemon and honey, a bit of sustenance of energy to get me through this day." Sparta said her eyes not as clear and bright as they should be, but Therakles knew his sister drank only to get drunk, for she was still imature and young, caring not for the flavour of the blood of the grape, so he was benevolent towards her in this manner for he knew his sister, no matter the arena of interest, always sought to live her life, with no limits, and being that she was a free born woman, a Royal Queen, King Therakles afforded her every luxury of freedom to her without fear of reprisal or judgement. He wanted her to be free, fully, in heart and mind, in all actions and deeds.
     "Very well, sister dear.., my poor sweetheart.., up all night discussing important matters of State with the Emperor of Rome.., or could it be that he had other ideas for your time together aboard his vessel?" Therakles said curling up next to her whispering in her ear. "Tell me.., did Cyrillus try to kiss you?"
     "No! Never! Now get off of me!" she said smacking him the face with a soft pillow.
     Therakles burst out laughing telling her "Very well, rest a little longer, I will send in your maid servants with your breakfast and to help dress you, prepare you for the day. You have one hour before we meet with the Emperor, who sails for Delphi and Lydia for a three week journey across the sea..,. Leaving Princess Gianna, here with me..,  safe in our care until he returns. I have made her comfortable in three rooms in the palace, filling the chambers with all manners of comforts of the luxurious Roman Palaces she, along with her entourage, are accustomed to. We must do our best to make her feel at home in these sparse surroundings, we have.., until now, only known, for theses Romans are consumed with the arts, music and lush comforts. Then in a few weeks time we shall have our contract of marriage signed, sealed and delivered, and then Our Nation shall celebrate the union of our thrones with a lavish ceremony before all the people and I shall have my heir for the Sake of Spartan Posterity." King Therakles smiled his eyes as bright as the stars of heaven, his face as radiant as the sun and he truly looked like a man deep in the throes of unquestionable love.
     "Have you been made happy by the Princess, my dearest, sweetest brother?" Sparta asked sitting herself up in bed stroking his hair.
     "Oh I can say, truthfully, my heart is as light as the feathers of an eagles wings. Her mere presence sends my soul flying! When she kisses me.., I am short of breath and I feel close to dying, revived only by the scent of her hair, the warmth of her lips, the softness of her skin." he sighed with pure delight.
     "Yes, but if only you could be a tad more descriptive in your feelings for her." she laughed, then she smiled sweetly embracing him tightly to her bosom saying "Surely the gods smile upon us, granting you, whom I love with all my heart and soul, this love and happiness."
     "Praise be to Zeus and Hera, and YOU! My sister! My Queen! For bringing my beautiful bride to Greece!" he exclaimed showering her with sweet little kisses upon the cheek. Queen Sparta wished that the two of them could sit in this blissful moment just a little bit longer together, for she knew the new changes in their world would tear them apart, however, the needs of the State out weigh the desires of a Queen; whose duties to her nation were far more pressing, stronger was the pull of the needs of her army, of whom some 7000 troops would set sail for a mission of war.
     "I will join you shortly my brother, now go, leave me in peace." here the two embraced then, at long last, Queen Sparta was indeed left alone, with her private thoughts, for a moment longer then she fell back into bed, pulling the blankets up over her body, her mind solely focused on the art of deception at hand, for Queen Sparta would have to put on a masterwork of a performance, to practice to deceive all those around her, for the purpose of taking the breath of life from the hated General Cothos. Queen Sparta planned on entreating him with kindness and sweet affection to lure him, within striking distance. For she knew from her training as loyal soldier in the Themiscyran Division, on the subject of murder.., Once you have decided upon a killing, first you make a stone of your heart.., and if you find that your hands are still willing.., then you can turn a murder into art. Of the time and manner of his death.., she had to watch and wait, taking much concern and consideration, upon this premeditated act of violence; which suited her needs best. The unfortunate, hated General, having no understanding of the dangerous peril he would soon face at the hands of our charming, benevolent and glorious Queen of Sparta.., whom desired his blood to be shed, as a testament, a sacrifice, a symbol of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor, being rest assured, once set upon her course, there would be BLOOD FOR SPARTA! Soon the brutal outcome would be the talk of the Peloponnese as for the time being, Cothos spent that morning in good cheer, being light of heart, his mind full of ideas of self importance, having no idea the course of his ambition, greed, avarice and life would soon come to a bloody end, by the hands of her, whom would embrace him with kisses upon on the mouth, holding hands and more, he would be deceived by a dangerous love.

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