As the long hot day of waiting drew to a close with the sun setting over the Spartan Plain leaving the city in the cool shade of Mt. Taygetos in the west, King Therakles sat in the Great Hall with his guests. He sat upon his chair at the head of the table next to the empty seat his sister should be sitting in as she would normally do at all of their feasts. Here those gathered together were the Roman delegation, all still in shock at the loss of General Cothos, along with Princess Gianna who urged her fellow countrymen not to dwell on, nor speak of the tragic accident. There were, representing Sparta, the ambassadors Lacuna and Lucia Vega accompanied by their husbands, Fleet Commander Vasha and Field Commander La Quint, along with Queen Sparta's dearest friends Captain La Vada and Captain Syndra. All were nervously waiting for General Synos to return to the Palace with the missing Queen Sparta.
There was a tense atmosphere in the room where few talked, and if they did it was of common things, the weather, the shooting stars seen in the heavens last night etc... Though there was set before the party a lavish delicious meal, prepared by the master chef of the Palace kitchens, hardly anyone touched the food set before them at the long table due to the distress of their hearts and minds over the stress of the events of the past few days. Mostly sitting in silence the King engaged not in conversation, merely gazing down, picking at the meat on his plate, sipping his wine lost in thought. Suddenly the Captain of the Palace Guards, Brittas, burst into the chamber excitedly panting proclaiming "My King!" his old face red in cheeks as the King stood to his feet along with his guests "Queen Sparta approaches in the Royal chariot riding with Prince Synos!" here a rush of excitement filled the voices and the air in the room became lighter as all leapt from their seats to their feet, quickly exiting en mass, rushing to the entrance of the Palace its great oaken and iron doors thrown open as all gathered together, including the guards and servants of the Royal Household to witness the return of their Sovereign Queen.
Sparta felt a nervous wave of enthusiasm and happiness surge through her body as the setting sun cast a golden shimmer upon the face of their radiant Queen, her long hair flowing behind her, a glow to her skin, her bright green eyes delighted to see her friends and family waiting for her with such an extreme expression of happiness and deep relief upon seeing her beaming face once more. This moment touched the heart of the Warrior Queen to its core and she felt tears of joy welling up in her eyes.
King Therakles, now feeling able to breathe easy, seeing his sister approach, safely returned at long last and he could not help but to notice, staring up at Synos and Sparta, side by side astride the chariot and it was remarkable for the first time he saw how the two looked very much like a gorgeous Royal Couple. "Hail Queen Sparta! I bid thee Hail!" King Therakles cried out opening up his loving arms to his missing sister who jumped from off of the chariot wrapping herself up in her brothers welcoming embrace as they kissed one another thrice upon the cheeks and twice upon the lips as a display of familial love and affection. Here Sparta felt a great weight lift up off her shoulders for she loved her brother more than life itself and she hated having to inflict such emotional trauma and torture upon his mighty heart and troubled mind. Yet, now thankfully, that was all over, all the deceit, the clever and cunning deception, murder, it was all over now. Everyone playing their parts, unknowingly, but beautifully. Now it was time to bury this event deep in her consciousness and move forward in the full faith of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor.
"Dearest King, my brother.., my friends." Queen Sparta addressed the growing crowd "Forgive the lunacy of my mind and the violence of my actions. I meant no harm to anyone." she said giving a somber look casting her gaze upon her maidservants who were still sporting a few black eyes and contusions. Here Sparta was taken up in a warm group embrace by those who loved her and were like family, Syndra and La Vada along with Prince Synos and King Therakles heaping hugs and words of love and understanding upon her. She felt warm and safe in the full embrace of reconciliation.
"Come.., we must all show our united support for our Queen and we must also heap praise upon our dear loyal Prince Synos!" King Therakles spoke and it did good for the hearts of Synos and Sparta both to hear. "Blessed be you, who has returned our glorious Queen back to us all safely." cheers and applause rang out, pats on the back and well wishes were called for and Synos was well pleased with the high praise indeed, the highest of praise coming form his King.
"I live to serve, I serve to live." Prince Synos replied taking Queen Sparta by the hand.
"Come let us hie you, dear lady, to our Physician, Traveros to insure you are well and suffering no illness nor malady." King Therakles said beckoning for his sister to join him in one of the private chambers of the Palace.
"No, no." she answered sweetly "I suffer not in illness or pain, though I am myself very tired and extremely hungry."
"Let us then return to our dinner to feast together and be happy once more.., but first, we must, all of us, give up our prayers of thanks to the gods and goddesses, and our Prince Synos, for the safe return of our beloved Queen." here a moment of silent prayer followed then the merry group gathered back together once more, their voices lifted in cheerful spirit creating a festive mood, as brother and sister sat beside one another at the head of the table Prince Synos sat at the Queen's right hand and Princess Gianna sitting to the King's left. Much discussion was made concerning current events in the region and much laughter and happy voices filled the massive chamber as oil lamps were lit to keep the coming darkness at bay. There was much to speak of, however there was no discussion made of the 'accident' or the Queens brief descent into madness. No one dared mention the name of Cothos lest the Queen become upset and have a mental relapse into depression. Yet it was not until Sparta had eaten a large portion of roasted lamb and grilled peppers, along with three glasses of wine the Queen began to stare off into the distance in an eerie silence, no expression on her face, looking right past her close friends La Vada and Syndra, who themselves turned back to look and see who, or what, their Monarch was staring at. It was as if she could see someone, or something, that had grabbed her attention. However as they glanced over their shoulders they saw that there was no one, nothing there.
"I fear..," Queen Sparta whispered staring off into the distance, her voice so small only those seated closest to her could hear.
"What fear do you speak of, dearest sister." King Therakles asked growing concerned once again, his stomach beginning to churn.
"When Emperor Cyrillus returns.. he will be exceedingly wroth and angry with me." Sparta sighed pretending to be concerned though she knew the Emperor would reward her handsomely.
"Queen Sparta." Princess Gianna spoke up, bearing no ill will towards her soon to be sister-in-law. "Trouble not your heart and mind by this matter, for it was merely an accident of fate. You, yourself, have suffered much under the circumstances but now, time and the love of your friends and family have made you well." she smiled sweetly with a sincere look of the greatest compassion."My father is a very understanding man. He will, I can assure you, find it in his infinite capacity for mercy and pity, to forgive you, as we, all ourselves, have." Princess Gianna said giving a stern look to the men of the Roman delegation, who, even if they had doubts or anger over the death of Cothos, all knew better that to speak out against Queen Sparta, lest they have the daughter of the Emperor himself to answer to.
Queen Sparta reached across the table touching the hand of the Roman Princess giving it a little squeeze saying "Oh my dear brother Therakles, what a perfect woman you have found to be your bride, for she is as beautiful as she is wise."
"And you, yourself, sweet sister have you not agreed to wed Synos in the marriage ceremony, for he shall be an excellent husband. Of his love and devotion to you I am quite certain can not be surpassed by any other man.., save only me." King Therakles smiled with a wink then finally giving Synos the look of approval he had been desperately seeking for years.
Now, at the mention of the nuptials, a hush fell over the room as all looked upon the two young newly betrothed lovers who gazed at each other in silence then the Queen smiled happily and simply nodded her head yes to the delight of the crowd.
"However..," she said with a sigh "Out of respect for the dead. It is best that we do not discuss the matter of my betrothal to Synos, making no mention of this matter to the Emperor. For I do not wish to ever diminish the deep affection I had in my heart for your brave countryman." here Queen Sparta arose taking up her glass and saying "Let us drink a glass out of respect to that great and imperial man, to General Cothos!" here all stood, even Prince Synos, and each drank down a glass to the memory of that ambitious and self righteous man. So it was all agreed to keep the pending marriage secret from Cyrillus, for the sake of peace and harmony.
A short while later when Sparta had her fill of food, for she had eaten only very little over the past three days, she sated her appetite for nourishment and thirst for wine until she felt as if her stomach would surely burst. So it came to pass the exhausted Queen rose to her feet, giving a goodnight kiss to her brother and her dearest Prince Synos, bidding her guests farewell. Escorted, once again, under the secure protection of her night sentries Queen Sparta returned to her bedchamber; which was now made clean and tidy by her loyal servants. Here the Queen was bathed and pampered in luxury by her attendants who made their Monarch ready for her night time rest. Left alone in her quiet room Sparta lie back in the warm comfort of her silken pillows and fine linen sheets, secure in the knowledge Emperor Cyrillus, who was now sailing close to the coast of Greece and would be arriving early the next morning, would be well pleased with her murderous actions for she had proved a lethal assassin. Yet still the Queen found it hard to sleep she was left tossing and turning endlessly but after an hour or so Queen Sparta finally closed her eyes and managed to fall into a deep and peaceful sleep, undisturbed nightmares or haunting dreams.
There was a tense atmosphere in the room where few talked, and if they did it was of common things, the weather, the shooting stars seen in the heavens last night etc... Though there was set before the party a lavish delicious meal, prepared by the master chef of the Palace kitchens, hardly anyone touched the food set before them at the long table due to the distress of their hearts and minds over the stress of the events of the past few days. Mostly sitting in silence the King engaged not in conversation, merely gazing down, picking at the meat on his plate, sipping his wine lost in thought. Suddenly the Captain of the Palace Guards, Brittas, burst into the chamber excitedly panting proclaiming "My King!" his old face red in cheeks as the King stood to his feet along with his guests "Queen Sparta approaches in the Royal chariot riding with Prince Synos!" here a rush of excitement filled the voices and the air in the room became lighter as all leapt from their seats to their feet, quickly exiting en mass, rushing to the entrance of the Palace its great oaken and iron doors thrown open as all gathered together, including the guards and servants of the Royal Household to witness the return of their Sovereign Queen.
Sparta felt a nervous wave of enthusiasm and happiness surge through her body as the setting sun cast a golden shimmer upon the face of their radiant Queen, her long hair flowing behind her, a glow to her skin, her bright green eyes delighted to see her friends and family waiting for her with such an extreme expression of happiness and deep relief upon seeing her beaming face once more. This moment touched the heart of the Warrior Queen to its core and she felt tears of joy welling up in her eyes.
King Therakles, now feeling able to breathe easy, seeing his sister approach, safely returned at long last and he could not help but to notice, staring up at Synos and Sparta, side by side astride the chariot and it was remarkable for the first time he saw how the two looked very much like a gorgeous Royal Couple. "Hail Queen Sparta! I bid thee Hail!" King Therakles cried out opening up his loving arms to his missing sister who jumped from off of the chariot wrapping herself up in her brothers welcoming embrace as they kissed one another thrice upon the cheeks and twice upon the lips as a display of familial love and affection. Here Sparta felt a great weight lift up off her shoulders for she loved her brother more than life itself and she hated having to inflict such emotional trauma and torture upon his mighty heart and troubled mind. Yet, now thankfully, that was all over, all the deceit, the clever and cunning deception, murder, it was all over now. Everyone playing their parts, unknowingly, but beautifully. Now it was time to bury this event deep in her consciousness and move forward in the full faith of Unity, Loyalty, Respect and Honor.
"Dearest King, my brother.., my friends." Queen Sparta addressed the growing crowd "Forgive the lunacy of my mind and the violence of my actions. I meant no harm to anyone." she said giving a somber look casting her gaze upon her maidservants who were still sporting a few black eyes and contusions. Here Sparta was taken up in a warm group embrace by those who loved her and were like family, Syndra and La Vada along with Prince Synos and King Therakles heaping hugs and words of love and understanding upon her. She felt warm and safe in the full embrace of reconciliation.
"Come.., we must all show our united support for our Queen and we must also heap praise upon our dear loyal Prince Synos!" King Therakles spoke and it did good for the hearts of Synos and Sparta both to hear. "Blessed be you, who has returned our glorious Queen back to us all safely." cheers and applause rang out, pats on the back and well wishes were called for and Synos was well pleased with the high praise indeed, the highest of praise coming form his King.
"I live to serve, I serve to live." Prince Synos replied taking Queen Sparta by the hand.
"Come let us hie you, dear lady, to our Physician, Traveros to insure you are well and suffering no illness nor malady." King Therakles said beckoning for his sister to join him in one of the private chambers of the Palace.
"No, no." she answered sweetly "I suffer not in illness or pain, though I am myself very tired and extremely hungry."
"Let us then return to our dinner to feast together and be happy once more.., but first, we must, all of us, give up our prayers of thanks to the gods and goddesses, and our Prince Synos, for the safe return of our beloved Queen." here a moment of silent prayer followed then the merry group gathered back together once more, their voices lifted in cheerful spirit creating a festive mood, as brother and sister sat beside one another at the head of the table Prince Synos sat at the Queen's right hand and Princess Gianna sitting to the King's left. Much discussion was made concerning current events in the region and much laughter and happy voices filled the massive chamber as oil lamps were lit to keep the coming darkness at bay. There was much to speak of, however there was no discussion made of the 'accident' or the Queens brief descent into madness. No one dared mention the name of Cothos lest the Queen become upset and have a mental relapse into depression. Yet it was not until Sparta had eaten a large portion of roasted lamb and grilled peppers, along with three glasses of wine the Queen began to stare off into the distance in an eerie silence, no expression on her face, looking right past her close friends La Vada and Syndra, who themselves turned back to look and see who, or what, their Monarch was staring at. It was as if she could see someone, or something, that had grabbed her attention. However as they glanced over their shoulders they saw that there was no one, nothing there.
"I fear..," Queen Sparta whispered staring off into the distance, her voice so small only those seated closest to her could hear.
"What fear do you speak of, dearest sister." King Therakles asked growing concerned once again, his stomach beginning to churn.
"When Emperor Cyrillus returns.. he will be exceedingly wroth and angry with me." Sparta sighed pretending to be concerned though she knew the Emperor would reward her handsomely.
"Queen Sparta." Princess Gianna spoke up, bearing no ill will towards her soon to be sister-in-law. "Trouble not your heart and mind by this matter, for it was merely an accident of fate. You, yourself, have suffered much under the circumstances but now, time and the love of your friends and family have made you well." she smiled sweetly with a sincere look of the greatest compassion."My father is a very understanding man. He will, I can assure you, find it in his infinite capacity for mercy and pity, to forgive you, as we, all ourselves, have." Princess Gianna said giving a stern look to the men of the Roman delegation, who, even if they had doubts or anger over the death of Cothos, all knew better that to speak out against Queen Sparta, lest they have the daughter of the Emperor himself to answer to.
Queen Sparta reached across the table touching the hand of the Roman Princess giving it a little squeeze saying "Oh my dear brother Therakles, what a perfect woman you have found to be your bride, for she is as beautiful as she is wise."
"And you, yourself, sweet sister have you not agreed to wed Synos in the marriage ceremony, for he shall be an excellent husband. Of his love and devotion to you I am quite certain can not be surpassed by any other man.., save only me." King Therakles smiled with a wink then finally giving Synos the look of approval he had been desperately seeking for years.
Now, at the mention of the nuptials, a hush fell over the room as all looked upon the two young newly betrothed lovers who gazed at each other in silence then the Queen smiled happily and simply nodded her head yes to the delight of the crowd.
"However..," she said with a sigh "Out of respect for the dead. It is best that we do not discuss the matter of my betrothal to Synos, making no mention of this matter to the Emperor. For I do not wish to ever diminish the deep affection I had in my heart for your brave countryman." here Queen Sparta arose taking up her glass and saying "Let us drink a glass out of respect to that great and imperial man, to General Cothos!" here all stood, even Prince Synos, and each drank down a glass to the memory of that ambitious and self righteous man. So it was all agreed to keep the pending marriage secret from Cyrillus, for the sake of peace and harmony.
A short while later when Sparta had her fill of food, for she had eaten only very little over the past three days, she sated her appetite for nourishment and thirst for wine until she felt as if her stomach would surely burst. So it came to pass the exhausted Queen rose to her feet, giving a goodnight kiss to her brother and her dearest Prince Synos, bidding her guests farewell. Escorted, once again, under the secure protection of her night sentries Queen Sparta returned to her bedchamber; which was now made clean and tidy by her loyal servants. Here the Queen was bathed and pampered in luxury by her attendants who made their Monarch ready for her night time rest. Left alone in her quiet room Sparta lie back in the warm comfort of her silken pillows and fine linen sheets, secure in the knowledge Emperor Cyrillus, who was now sailing close to the coast of Greece and would be arriving early the next morning, would be well pleased with her murderous actions for she had proved a lethal assassin. Yet still the Queen found it hard to sleep she was left tossing and turning endlessly but after an hour or so Queen Sparta finally closed her eyes and managed to fall into a deep and peaceful sleep, undisturbed nightmares or haunting dreams.
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