Chapter 2

When Lex had informed Chloe's uncle of his intention of marriage, all other prospects had been forgotten. The elder gentleman was eager to concede to the arrangement, no doubt mentally considering all he could gain from the connection. There was the customary talk of dowry, but as Lex had no need for it, the debt was minimal. Just enough so there would be no shame brought upon Chloe or her family.

The announcement had been made almost a week and a have ago. The entire town seemed to be exploding with gossip and excitement over the nuptials. It seemed that no one had any intention of missing this wedding.

No one but perhaps Clark. Following the announcement, she had noticed that Clark had not returned to speak to her uncle again. She hadn't seen him in town either.

But she couldn't concern herself with that anymore. By tomorrow night, she would be Lex's wife and needed to mentally prepare herself for all that this meant.

Ignorant of her worries, her aunt and Lois, along with several other women were preparing for tonight's feast. Everyone was bustling about worried if there would be enough food. There seemed to be more than plenty. Meats of lambs, pigs, goats, and cattle. Baskets of bread and fruit. Cakes made with honey and nuts.

After tonight's feast, tomorrow night's wedding feast, and the following feast to honor the new couple at Lex's home; Chloe was certain she would double her weight in just three short days.

Turning away from the sight of the preparations, she returned to her room of just one year. Her original home was closer to the palace, but she had to move her few possessions to her uncle's home when it came time for a new advisor to take her father's place.

For this reason, her heart didn't ache with the thought of leaving this place. But she didn't have to gather the certain items necessary for tonight's sacrifice. After the meal, she would be literally burning away any remembrance of her childhood. She was starting a new life now. Childhood thoughts and dreams should no longer concern her. Only wifehood and soon motherhood.

Her childhood clothes weren't that important to her. Most were ragged and torn from rough play anyway. She hadn't collected many toys as a child, preferring to listen to her father's tales whether they were about far away places or his daily life at the palace. She had held on to many of his scrolls, no one would allow her to burn those even if she wanted.

But no one even knew that they existed, let alone were in her possession. At night, she would pull them out to read his words. The meaning behind them didn't matter as much to her as his script. She would trace his handwriting with her fingers and remember the times when she had looked over his shoulder as he wrote, telling her what each word meant, and later he used them to help her learn to read and write on her own. Each night she had to roll the scrolls up before she stained the paper with her tears. No, these mementos would definitely be making the trip with her.

She had kept only two toys when she came to this house. A doll that Lois had given her when they were seven; she hadn't played with it much since the day it was given to her. In fact, she only kept it in case Lois had inquired about it one day. The other was a thick clay disc with a groove carved in the middle to allow for the disc to roll up and down on a piece of twine. Her father had taught her many tricks over the years with it.

Because she was caught in the memories, she didn't hear as someone approached her. "I remember this…hard to forget something that has hit you in the head more than once."

Chloe looked up to see Lex as he gestured to the toy. It took her a moment to recover from his presence, but she suddenly had a flash of her showing off her skills only have the disc fly up to far and hit Lex square in the eye. Lex had told everyone that he'd been in a fight with another boy, but Chloe's father knew better and kept the toy from her until Lex's eye healed.

She laughed at the memory of how dumbstruck Lex looked when it had happened. "If I remember correctly, you walked around with a black eye for over a week."

Lex nodded and added with a smirk, "I think I might still have some vision problems."

Chloe rolled her eyes knowing she hadn't done any permanent damage. "If anything, a good knock on your head probably did you good." After a moment's thought she asked, "How did you get in here without anyone stopping you?" An unrelated man standing in a woman's bedroom prior to marriage wasn't allowed even if the problem of marriage would be rectified soon.

Gesturing widely, he asked, "Do you really think anyone hear would deny royalty?"

After Chloe shrugged to concede defeat, he admitted, "Besides everyone was busy with preparations."

Chloe wanted to respond with a quip, but the thought of feast reminded her of what she needed to accomplish. She finished packing the scrolls in the bag with the clothes she still used. Besides the clothes she currently wore, only her dress for tomorrow was left out. She placed the toy and doll on top of the pile of childhood clothes, and moved to carry them outside.

However this became impossible as Lex stood in her way. He grabbed the disc toy and put it in the bag she'd been packing. At her questioning look, he answered, "Keep it to teach our children. Or hit me with when I become annoying."

Chloe was touched by his thoughtfulness. However, she didn't think he'd be comfortable if she broke into tears over a toy, so she hid it behind a snarky remark. "I think your guards would charge me with attempted assassination if I did." She swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat. "But this means that I only have this doll to throw in the fire. It's not much of a sacrifice if I don't even like it."

Lex considered her point before saying, "Sometimes it's more important to fight for what we want than to make a sacrifice out of supposed necessity."

He escorted her outside to where the festivities had begun. Together the two introduced each other to different family members and friends. They accepted blessings from each person they passed. The plentiful food seemed to taste better than Chloe had ever known.

A group of women took her away from Lex's presence in order to speak in confidence. She was in good spirits as she listened to married women give her advice, some welcomed while other bits of information had her blushing.

Meanwhile, Lex had gathered with his best friend Bruce and his brother Lucas. Lucas was complaining about Lex not appointing him as his wedding attendant. "I'm your brother! What's more important than family?"

"How about the fact that I don't want you to be the one guarding the door of my marriage bed?" Lex lifted an eyebrow in silent challenge.

Lucas raised his hands in defeat. "Fine, at least tell me that you are man enough to go traditional and attend the ceremony in the nude."

Lex shook his head in laughter over Lucas' antics. "I'm the king and this celebration will be attended by most of Athens. I don't intend for my subjects to become that knowledgeable of me."

"In other words, you're scared. There's no shame in that. Or, maybe there would be if you were nude." Lucas taunted.

"Lucas, you can't goad me into reacting to your childish behavior. When it becomes time for you to marry, you can go as naked as you want. That is if you aren't afraid of off-putting the community with your old, wrinkled body when you finally get the nerve to settled down."

Lucas knew exactly what needed to be said to wipe the smug smile from Lex's face and wasn't afraid to deliver the blow. "Very well, it's much better for me if Chloe's the only nude one there anyway."

Bruce immediately stepped in between the two brothers and grabbed Lucas roughly by the neck, dragging the smaller man with him as he said, "I think it's time we use any excuse to get you away from here."

Lex fought off the urge to trail after his brother. He calmed himself down before searching for Chloe.

Over an hour into the gathering, Chloe watched as her soon to be brother-in-law approached the couple. She knew that he had to drunk because he freely leered at her in front of Lex. If she was going to prevent a fight, she had to make conversation and quick. "Evening Lucas, I hear you are doing quite well in your wrestling matches."

If possible, Lucas' smile became creepier "Yeah, I really love what I do. I just prefer to wrestle with women if you know what I mean. But I have feeling you don't. Or won't until tomorrow tonight. You know, I certainly wouldn't mind giving you a lesson."

She would have slapped him if she hadn't been using all her strength to keep Lex from ripping his brother's head off. Instead, as politely as possible and with a smile on her face so as not to encourage any gossip with her impending position as queen, she spoke softly yet with an edge. "Why don't you leave quickly before Lex and I decide another pig needs to be sacrificed?"

Despite his inebriated state, Lucas must have recognized the look in his brother's eyes because he quickly stumbled away muttering about wrestling and what she thought sounded like jelly.

The night was beginning to wind down and a bon fire had started. Picking up the items she had gathered, Chloe approached the fire with Lex standing at her side. Lois handed her cousin a knife. Chloe stretched out a portion of her hair and cut off a lock of hair with the knife. She threw the lock into the fire as a sacrifice to Artemis for a safe transition in the loss of her virginity.

Next, she gathered the small clothes and doll, ignoring the look from Lois, and cast them into the fire. Hopefully Hera would grant her a worry free wedding.

Finally, Lex and Chloe each sacrificed a dove to Aphrodite so she would provide them a pleasurable marriage.

With the rituals over, everyone left for home including Lex. As Chloe prepared for bed, she realized that this would be the last time she slept here. Most likely the last time she would sleep alone. Oddly, she didn't seem as worried about it as she had been weeks ago.

She was allowed to sleep in on the morning of her wedding because the ceremony wouldn't be starting until sundown. In the late afternoon, she cleansed in her ceremonial bath and tried to retain the calm she had the night before. Somewhere in the night, her worries had changed. She wasn't scared of spending her life with Lex. There was no other man in her life that she was more comfortable with than him. Not since her father had died, anyway.

But tonight her relationship with Lex would be taking a major change. And she didn't know if she was prepared for the consequences.

As she finished bathing and dressed in her red garments, she reminded herself that this part of her life was inevitable. Since it had to be done, it was best done with Lex. She grudgingly wrapped the hood around her head and veil over her face. She would pray for the ceremony to end quickly if only to remove all this fabric from her face.

Together with her family, she walked to the banquet hall where dinner would be held. Soon after everyone reached the hall, Lex arrived in his chariot. He looked incredibly handsome in his garments of the exact same shade of red as hers.

All the good work Chloe had done to relax was destroyed by the realization that she wouldn't be able to speak with Lex until they entered the bridal chamber. He was the only one who could make her forget the gravity of the situation.

On one side of the hall was a table of more delicacies, even more than last night. But Chloe wasn't interested in any food tonight. She wasn't sure if her stomach could handle any.

She watched as the men did the "dance of the five steps" accompanied by musicians beautiful melodies. Next the ladies danced with their handkerchiefs. Everyone applauded and appeared to be having a wonderful time. She caught Lex's eye and observed that he seemed to be nervous like her, but to anyone else was probably doing a much better job of hiding it than her.

A few moments later, a servant walked toward her. "Excuse me, madam, but his highness has requested that I make sure you eat something."

Chloe was about to protest the plate of meat when she noticed his pleading look. He was just a messenger and Lex's heart was in the right place. She accepted the food. "Thank you…," silently she asked for him to supply his name.

"Peter, madam," he supplied with nod and bow.

Chloe began eating the meat and noticed a flavoring she had never recognized before. She stopped Peter before he moved to far away. "Excuse me, do you happen to know what this is made with?"

"That is roasted pig flavored with ginger and a special kind of parsley, a unique recipe of mine. Is there anything else you require?" Peter asked with a smile.

She shook her head no before thanking him once again. After finishing her meal, she realized it was time for the major portion of the ceremony.

Everyone gathered outside to prepare for procession. Chloe's uncle pushed her toward Lex and stated "In front of witnesses I give this girl to you for the production of legitimate children." She knew women did not have much freedom, even in her own special circumstances she had to follow certain laws and customs. However, at this time, she truly understood the significance of what her value was in this world. No one would care about what feats she could accomplish if she didn't provide Lex with an heir. And when she finally did, raising her children would be all that her life could be about.

Even Lex's pleasing smile did little to help ease her. This was one of the moments that Chloe feared. She remembered that when Lois had gotten married, Oliver had to grab her wrists and pull her to the chariot to signify the pain and hardship in the transition from life with family to life with her husband. Lois had screamed out in pain and there were bruises for days later.

However, Lex's touch seemed less like a grasp and more like a heavy caress. He gave her a playful tug and she thought back to a time when she was younger and convinced him to play tug of war. She pulled back on her arms a little, not much so she wouldn't hurt herself, but enough to make a show. Together they humorously reached the chariot where he lifted her inside.

All the guests followed behind them holding torches, and dancing as the musicians continued with their tunes. The women threw roses and violets at the cart. Some even threw fruit but either they had horrible arms or weren't giving enough effort to actually hit them. She knew the women were just giving their most heartfelt well wishes for a fertile wedding night.

Grateful that she did not have to make the journey to the palace on foot, she was in a better mood when Lex helped her down from the chariot. Before entering her new home, Lex handed her a quince to show how he would provide for in the years to come. She bit into the sweet, golden fruit knowing that the taste if nothing else would provide her with pleasant breath. Next, she took the torch he handed her to burn the chariot's axle, her final separation from her family. She would not travel back to her uncle's home. At least Lex had plenty to waste.

She found it a little daunting as everyone followed them into the palace. In the main hall, Lex finally unwrapped the hood and veil from her dressings. She didn't think she had welcomed the ability to breathe so much in her life. He led her to their room and when the door was shut, Chloe had never been so happy to be alone with Lex.

Lex…who was now her husband. Lex…who was alone with her in their bedroom. A room with a bed that both of them would have to sleep in. More than sleep.

She heard the chanting and singing from behind the door and couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Why there needed to be all of this ceremony, she would never comprehend.

After having to spend the entire night without talking to Chloe, and then finally in the moment where he could…she chose to start laughing. He was more than worried for her sanity. Any bravado that he had when he first asked Chloe to marry him was gone now. He couldn't expect her to have sex tonight if she wasn't ready. "Chloe, you know we don't have to…"

Her laughter immediately stopped. She knew where he was going the moment he started to speak. She was a grown woman. And married to prove it. She didn't need to be made allowances for like a child. "No! That makes absolutely no sense. I knew what this night entailed. I knew what I was agreeing to. I have no intention of backing out." She hoped she sounded stronger than she felt. But her words were the truth. No matter how much she'd wanted to get out of the idea of marriage all together, she knew that if she hadn't married someone else; that man wouldn't have bothered with an out.

Lex admired Chloe for putting on a brave face, but he knew inside that she was terrified. He had watched her the entire night. He feared she would have starved herself tonight if she hadn't started eating. "But it's different with us."

Chloe released a soft smile. "You're right, it is different. I came to you as a friend and you agreed to help me. We came to a decision and it's time to follow through."

"Right, but maybe if we wait a few nights, then…"

"Then what? I'll still be nervous about my first time… at sex. The only difference is it will be a few nights later. Now, are you going to agree or do I have to give you a black eye again?" She did her best to copy the eyebrow move she seen him use over time.

He released a short laugh. "Who am I to deny my queen?" As Lex slowly walked toward her, Chloe did her best to remain still and not back away from him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her achingly close to his body. Tilting his head, he softly caressed her lips until he felt her respond and increased the pressure.

Within a few seconds, Chloe's hands lifted on their own accord to travel up Lex's firm arms before resting behind his neck. When she pressed at the back of his head, Lex opened his mouth to lightly push at hers. Together they increased the intensity of the kiss.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, Chloe noticed that Lex was pushing them back toward the bed. Still, she wasn't prepared when her legs hit the end and she fell back with Lex on top of her. She let out a squeal followed by a laugh, and soon had Lex laughing with her.

When they had managed to calm down, she looked at her new husband and noticed the passion in his eyes. She swallowed before managing a small "What?"

"When you were laughing, there was this flushed look about you. Just makes you look even more amazing." His eyes traveled from hers to her neck where he started kissing and nibbling at her flesh.

At his touch, Chloe breathed in sharply and closed her eyes trying to calm down. She wasn't completely sure she would be able to do so.

Lex kissed a trail down to the scoop in her garment. He lifted himself above her frame and reached for the fabric where it had gathered at her waist. When he reached just beneath her chest, he lifted his eyebrows, asking if he could continue. Chloe smiled at his supposed apprehension and leaned forward while lifting her arms so he could pull the dress off her.

She remained semi seated, waiting to see what his next move would be. As Lex took his time looking her over, she felt embarrassment creep in her from the pit of her belly to the top of her head. She felt on fire and wasn't sure if it was from the temperature in the room, her proximity to Lex, or just from the look in his eyes. His body was hovering over her legs so he couldn't see them, but what he did see seemed to mesmerize him. His eyes lingered at her breasts and then traveled to the lower half of her body, stopping at the same places as he made the trip back up to her eyes.

His eyes. His eyes were definitely the cause of the sudden heat.

Chloe's eyes contained the same curiosity and mischievousness that she had as a child, but he could also see in her maturity. She had grown up since her father's death. She was a bit wiser of the world. But he knew she was still eager to learn. And he wanted to be the one to teach her everything. Starting with passion.

He leaned in for another kiss. Not timid like the first, more sure of what he wanted now. Chloe reached her arms around him to pull at the cloth on his body. She had only managed to move it as far up as his shoulders because Lex refused to relinquish the kiss. She spread her hands across his back while she waited for him to catch on. When he finally pulled away from the kiss, he went for her neck again. She tried to pull the fabric over his head but lost focus when he reached her breasts. She chose to let him do as he pleased, the clothing could wait.

As Lex continued his attentions, Chloe wondered why she had ever been nervous about tonight. Could independence be all that important if she continued to receive this in return?

When Lex began kissing a path down her abdomen, she managed to tug the red material off of him. She wasn't even sure if he noticed considering that he didn't stop his movements. While his head moved lower, his hands would occasionally reach upward to caress her skin. She tried to lift her head when she felt him reach the joining of her thighs, but she dropped it immediately when she felt his tongue.

Lex had been enjoying Chloe's body from the first kiss. He wasn't sure why this time felt different than any other. She wasn't here for pride or money. Yes, they had made a deal, but she didn't have to choose him. She could have returned home and accepted the life that was waiting for her. Maybe that was the reason. Everyone wants to be chosen once in a life. He was no different.

She wasn't being quiet or stiff like he had heard some new brides and even long-married wives could be. She was as vocal and enticing as the little girl who yelled at his father. But she wasn't little anymore. Her body was curvaceous, soft and beautiful. And he loved every taste of her.

Chloe had been benefiting from Lex's dedication for a while until he suddenly stopped and looked up at her. She wanted to teasingly slap him across his head for ending what she believed was amazing, but the need and lust in his eyes made her stop. Instead, she let him know with a nod that she was ready.

He crawled back up her body, pausing to drop a few kisses in favored places before finally leaning down to take her lips once again. The taste of herself was new but she didn't have time to acknowledge it more because his fingers began to stretch her folds. As she gasped at the new touch, he used his other hand to spread her legs more.

With one more kiss, he whispered to her to breathe and slowly encased himself in her body. She felt the pain as her body stretched more to accommodate him, but then he began moving and she once again felt the build up of pleasure.

Lex knew that behind the bedroom door, family and friends were still celebrating and beating on the door to ward off evil spirits, but he heard none of it. He concentrated on the sound of her voice as she moaned or spoke his name. The taste of her skin. The sight of her face as the passion exploded within her. The feel of her beneath and around him.

Chloe clawed at Lex's back. No matter how close he was to her, it still wasn't enough. When she felt the force of her climax, she feared she wouldn't be able to let him go. He pushed deeper into her, then pulled out and back again. Soon she felt the tremors again.

Lex knew his release would come soon and when he felt the tension uncoil, he welcomed it. He grunted and whispered Chloe's name. As he felt her cling to him, both inside and out, he gracelessly searched for her kiss. After the kiss, he turned their bodies, knowing his energy was waning and not want to trap her. He moved some of the sweat-laced hair from her eyes and took notice that her breathing was as labored as his. A couple of deep breaths later, she finally opened her eyes and smiled, which he returned.

He thought about saying something romantic but knew Chloe wouldn't believe his words. They had only reformed their friendship in a matter of days. Changed their lives forever in a matter of hours. Cocking his head toward the door, he asked, "Do you think they'll stop banging on the door long enough for us to get some sleep?"

Chloe lost any composure she had gained. After her laughter subsided, she told him "We can try to sleep through it, and if that doesn't work, I'm sure we can found something else to do tonight." He nodded in agreement, but knew that he needed rest from the long day before anything could go further.

Using the last of his energy to reach for a blanket at the foot of the bed, he laid it across them. He was able to gather her in his arms and lean his forehead against hers before sleep overtook both of them.

TBC