Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.

AN: My knowledge of Ancient Greece begins and ends with Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, so if you are looking for something historically accurate, keep looking. But I did try my best which I hope will explain Chloe's age in this story. None of the people in this story are by any means representative of any historical figures. Also, Bruce Campbell is sexy and Autolycus was the best character on that series. Okay, I'm done now.

Fulfilling Her Request

Chapter 1

Chloe knew that she didn't have much time left. In fact, she should have been preparing this for years now. But she had lived her life so far expecting to be treated differently than all the other girls of her town. Her father had emphasized the importance of law, reading and writing while most girls learned cooking, cleaning and sewing from their mothers. And as such, he did not press upon the importance of marriage and child rearing. She had grown dependant on the thought that she could always be immersed in learning. She had become fascinated by those who came before her and wanted that kind of legacy. For years, she wanted nothing more than to discover and write down the knowledge that she had learned for later generations. Her father may have been the one man in the entire society who would have encouraged such a notion in his daughter.

But all of those hopes had died with him a year ago. Instead, she had to move in with her uncle, the general of Athens' army. Now, her uncle had control over who she would marry and determined what life she would lead.

Chloe was certain that like her cousin, she would be married to one the army's greatest soldiers. It wasn't that she didn't think any of the men would make good husbands. After all, Lois seemed to be living a respectable life with Oliver. Chloe just couldn't stand the thought of being given away like some prize, let alone being forced to live a life at home while her husband made a name for himself.

For months, she had wished that a miracle would save her. She made daily offerings to Philyra. However, an up and coming soldier named Clark had been making frequent visits to her uncle's home. And Chloe was certain that not all of the meetings could have been military strategies.

Her sixteenth birthday was only two weeks away and her uncle would be making the wedding announcement soon. She knew now that the gods could not help her. There was only one man who could.

"Your father was quite certain that the best way to continue our partnership with the Lang dynasty was to marry the emperor's daughter."

Lex had been listening to his advisors extol upon the virtues of this marriage and of the girl in question since his father's funeral three months prior. And on this day particularly for over three hours. He held up his hand to stop the inane babbling. "Enough, I know what my father would have wanted during his reign, but that has ended and now it is my turn to make the decisions. Particularly where my life is concerned. I will be taking all of your thoughts into consideration and make my choice within a week. Leave me be. "

As the men left, Lex was already planning the speech in which he would be declining the marriage. He did not care about whatever problems might arise; there was no way he was going to go through with the union. He had met the young woman in question on a previous trip to China. She was vain, selfish, and her naiveté bordered on sheer stupidity. He wouldn't stand a day with her, let alone a lifetime.

He knew the importance of choosing a wife and soon, but he figured his kingdom would understand if the choice was between waiting and being saddled with such a deplorable queen. He had to show that he was willing to listen to his advisors, but he also needed to exhibit an ability to govern on his own. Every choice he would make as king would be judged and that started with his bride.

Lex decided to focus on other matters of state and a few hours later, one of his servants approached him. "Sir, a young lady wishes an audience with you. I informed her that you were busy but she refused to leave. She claims urgency."

Such actions were unheard of, especially from a woman. However, Lex was never one to deny his curiosity and agreed to meet with her. When the blonde first approached and kneeled before him, it took several minutes before he recognized her. He dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand. "You can stand up now, Chloe. No need to keep with appearances."

Chloe smiled as she stood. "You are my king and I will honor you as such. I may not have respected your father while he was king, but I will not let my opinions of him affect how I think on you."

He rose from his throne to stand before her. "It's been too long since I've last seen you. I hoped your father's death wouldn't have stopped your visits." She could see the longing in his eyes.

She had missed visiting with him as well. Not only had Lex always spoken with her as if their six year age difference never mattered, but also as if he should be honored to be in her presence. She had stayed away because this building held too many memories of her father. Too many memories of a life that she might never know again. Until this moment, she hadn't realized the effect that might have on Lex. She suddenly felt guiltier that this meeting wasn't just a social visit. "I wasn't sure if I would still be welcomed."

As if sensing the reason, she couldn't vocalize, he took the huge step for her. "You're always welcomed in my home. I had much respect for your father and his ideals. I wish he were still around to advise me."

"He would have been grateful to see you rise to power. He always thought well of you." Many a time had her father come home angry over some final decision Lionel had made. He prayed for a better life with Lex as his king.

Lex took much pride in Chloe's admission. Gabe was his favorite of all of his father's advisors. He often wished that his father had been more willing to take the wise man's advice. "I hope I don't do anything to dishonor his memory."

This was just the opening that she had been hoping for, "Actually, I might have a way to ensure that you do not."

"Please share."

Chloe took a long breath to gather strength before saying, "I came to ask that you deny my uncle's right to marry me off."

The request had surprised him for so many reasons. One being that he forgot just how close she was to the age of marriage. It had been a year since he had last seen her. So he didn't know until now just how much she had changed. The time away from her, had made him reassess her appearance. No longer was she the young girl eager to learn the laws and procedures of ruling a kingdom. She had blossomed into a beautiful young woman ready to enter the newest phase of her life. A phase that seemed to have her terrified.

Another was that the thought of Chloe and marriage had never entered his mind. They had always talked of ideals and principles. Chloe was not the type of girl who wondered about the man she would marry. Even with the hiatus in their friendship, she still was the one person who meant more to him than anyone. But that didn't mean he had to give into her demands just yet. "And why should I do that?"

She sensed the teasing lilt of his tone and quickly became frustrated that he didn't appear to take her seriously. She took a chance that even the strongest man in the kingdom wouldn't have ventured and invaded Lex's space. "Because you're the king and you can do whatever you want."

He had missed these moments with her. Often, he would take a side that he didn't really believe, just to get her riled up in a passionate argument that the gods themselves couldn't replicate. "Odd, I seem to recall a spirited girl, no older than ten, telling my father than he shouldn't waste lives invading other places just to gain territory. Since when did your opinion of how rulers should behave change?"

Chloe backed off knowing that he had a point, but she couldn't let him think he had bested her. "It's not like he listened to me anyway."

"No, of course not. And you were quite lucky that all he decided to do was ignore you. Or else we wouldn't be having this conversation. Now answer my question." He had often wondered the reason Lionel had never taken his revenge out on Chloe. Most likely, his father knew that any punishment would only give her cause a stronger voice with the people.

"I didn't change my mind. But I was looking out for the well-being of others then just as I am now."

"I can't wait to hear this."

She was done with their game. She spoke honestly when saying, "Women shouldn't be forced to marry."

On some level, he knew Chloe was right. She had certainly proved herself to be just as worthy as any man. She didn't deserve her rights taken from her simply because of her gender. Still, he had no choice. "I'm sorry, Chloe, but that's how our world works and I can't change that."

"Yes, you can. You just change the law." She could have gotten on her knees and begged but knew that if Lex's mind was set, nothing would force him. Certainly not lowering herself. But she did take a risk but taking hold of his hand.

Lex looked down where she had a tight grip of his hand in both of hers. She was holding on to him for life because he had control of hers. He let out a sadden breath before looking back into her eyes. "You know it's not that easy. I just took control. If I change that law now, then people will get outraged, and I'll be off this thrown before I can do any good. Maybe in a few years, I can start to try reducing the restrictions for women, but not right now."

She knew his reasons were legitimate. And for the first time since she had this plan, she felt like all was lost. "I don't have a few years. My uncle will make his announcement soon."

He wanted to help her. He would give anything to have her smile, but there was nothing he could do. Unless… The thought occurred to him suddenly and he almost wanted to dismiss it. She probably wouldn't agree because it didn't mean much of a difference for her, but it could help with both of their problems. "I have an idea. But you won't like it."

"I'll give anything a try."

He knew this wasn't going to be an easy sale, so he made a quick decision to lighten the serious atmosphere. "We can set the date for our union two weeks from now. That coincides with the festival of Demeter. We will honor your namesake and ensure a fertile wedding night. What do you say? Two birds, one stone?"

Each word seemed to take a year to reach her ears. He couldn't have meant what she thought he meant. "I'm sorry…are you saying that in order for me not to marry anyone else, I have to marry you?" She dropped his hand and backed away. She kept staring at him waiting and hoping for the moment when he claimed it was a joke.

He didn't let her back away to far before he approached her and rested his hands on her shoulders. Locking eyes with her, he said, "That's the only way this can work. I can't say indefinitely that you aren't allowed to marry without having a good reason."

This wasn't supposed to be the way this meeting went. This was exactly what she didn't want. "But the whole point of my coming here…"

He had to appeal to her that this was the best idea for both of them. "I know, but look at it this way…at least by accepting my offer…you are making a choice…limited as it may be."

Chloe took a while to think about her options. If she didn't accept Lex's proposal, she'd be married off to Clark without objection. At least Lex knew her and understood her behavior. No other husband would give her as much leeway as he would. If she had to be married, she couldn't have a better choice than him. She released a soft smile before asking, "When will you make the announcement?"

TBC