Roxana rubbed her throbbing temples, asking herself why she was drinking with Ptolemy and Cassander. Well, actually she didknow why she was drinking with them. They were in her chamber, and they were drinking because Ptolemy and Cassander's wives were both pregnant and the seers predicted sons. Ptolemy was telling Roxana the story of how Cassander had tried to get him to propose to Thessa for him because he was interested in a servant girl. Roxana felt a little sorry for her sister in-law Thessa, but the story was pretty funny. Cassander eventually rolled his eyes and said:
"Please, we all know my chivalry and charm were dead and buried long ago."
"With your morals." Ptolemy quipped. Roxana rolled her eyes at both men.
"Please, he never had any to begin with." She said. Ptolemy started laughing and nodding his head, and Cassander gave her a funny look.. She stuck her tongue playfully out at him. He smirked, and returned his attention to Ptolemy.
"So Ptolemy, do you think Roxana is prettier when you're drunk?" Cassander joked. Roxana wasn't really amused, but played along with the joke. Cassander wasn't very funny.
"Cassander, EVERYONE is prettier when I am drunk! Like that plant over there!" Ptolemy said, pointing at a green dress that Roxana's maids had forgotten to put away. Cassander and Roxana sniggered at their friend. Then Cassander leaned in, across from Roxana, giving her a burning look.
"I never found you pretty." He said, though his gaze was sending the opposite message.
"Well, I never found you handsome. I don't think it is a coincidence." She countered, giving him a warning look. He shrugged his shoulders indifferently.
"I am just saying." He replied coolly. They stared at each other, daring the other to move first, when Ptolemy fell off his seat. They looked at him as he lay on the floor, laughing is ass off.
"I think you have had a little to much, Buddy." Cassander said, motioning for a servant to take Ptolemy back to his rooms. When Ptolemy left, Cassander sat on the couch looking at Roxana in the way one would like a t a horse in the market.
"You haven't said anything to me after Aegus's birth." Cassander murmured. She looked at him uncomfortably for one second, then looked away.
"We were never good friends before then." She replied quietly, still looking in the other direction.
"It has been seven months Roxana. Six since Bagoas…." Cassander trailed off, both uncomfortable.
"You did what you thought was best." She said, though it was clear she did not like Cassander's decision on that front.
"Well, if your treatment of me proves otherwise, you haven't forgiven me." Cassander said quietly, wondering why he felt he had to prove himself to Alexander's widow all of the sudden.
"I have forgiven you Cassander. Aegus is alive, I am alive, Heracles is alive… Cassander, that is your job as regent. To keep us alive and healthy until Aegus turns eighteen and can ascend the throne." Roxana said, trying to comfort her rival.. Cassander looked her in the eye.
"What can you give me in return Roxana? For keeping your sons alive." Cassander said, wondering if he hated her, or loved her more then ever.
"Whatever price you name." She said, trying to sound nonchalant although she felt trapped in her quarters with no one around.
"What if I don't want material items? What if I want you?" He asked with a burning look in his eyes. She had seen that look in many men before. It was the look they had when they wanted something. Cassander did not love her, he wanted her. And he was doing a good job at manipulating her into giving him his way. Cassander went to sit beside her on the bed, putting his lips next to her ear.
"What if I am as evil as the rumors say I am?" He mockingly asked, taunting her into a fight.
"If you were, why would you keep me alive? Why would you give me a choice in the matter at all? You are a man, I am a woman. You could take me now, but where is the fun in that? Or maybe, you are not as bad as you make yourself out to be. Maybe you are just lost? I think it is a little bit of both. You love the challenge but you don't want to be seen as an evil man." Roxana said, turning to face him. She twirled one of his stray hairs around her finger, looking at him.
"I think you would do anything for your sons." He said, inching his face closer to hers. He pressed his mouth to hers, waiting for her to push him away in anger. But she didn't. Partly because she was physically attracted to him, as he was to her (Though they would never say that to the other). Also because she really would do anything for her sons. And if this is the price she had to pay to keep them safe, then she would pay it.
She wrapped her arms around him as their kissing became more intense. Like they needed each other to breathe. Like they were two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. And all because Cassander was being his good old manipulative, the boy your mother warned you about, son of a bitch self that we all love to hate.
