Disclaimers: See Chapter 1
Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is tied in with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. ;-)
The Conqueror & Ri
A Twist of Destiny
By Ahkiken
Chapter 5: Trinity
Akemi strolled down the corridors of the castle to fetch the Prince of the Realm. While on route, she stewed in disappointment because she hadn't gotten any closer, romantically, to the Conqueror during her tenure as a servant. Being the Greek Ruler's Chambermaid and lodged adjacently to the royal bedroom, she was hoping that the Gerent would accept the adoring love that flowed inside her heart.
The young foreigner from Japa enjoyed combing her Lord's hair earlier. She wasn't necessarily voyeuristic, but it did give her a fortuitous sight of the older woman's cleavage through the aqua robe, and Akemi was able to discern that the Conqueror had piercings on her nipples. Imagining the dynamic Conqueror's frame atop hers caused concupiscence.
In lieu of getting breakfast, which was a mistake because she was hungry now, Akemi lied to her Lord in order to release herself sexually. With each stroke of her own fingers, the Japian female pretended it was the Grecian Overlord's, bringing satisfaction. The Chambermaid was beginning to feel prurient again, so she tried to concentrate on the arched ceilings of the hallways, wondering how did the castle's attendants light the lanterns that were high up, until she arrived at the Prince's chambers. She knocked casually, lingering for someone to answer.
"Yes?" The groom asked, opening the door.
"I am here to speak with Prince Lyceus on behalf of the Lord Conqueror of the Realm." Akemi proclaimed.
The servitor stepped aside to let her in.
"Wait here, please." He said, going back to inform the Prince.
Unsupervised, Akemi viewed the antechamber. It was a bit smaller in size compared to her mistress'. She pondered if it was due to rank or a personal choice of the Conqueror's brother.
"The Prince of the Realm is prepared to receive you." The manservant announced out of nowhere, compelling Akemi's awareness.
Ceasing her internal inquiry, she trailed the man into the Prince's bedchamber. Lyceus was standing beside the bed, still dressed in his brown tunic and trousers. He added a brownish vest to his attire, covering the top garment, and bronze gauntlets adorned his arms.
"Morning, Akemi." He greeted.
"Good morning, Prince Lyceus." Akemi returned with a bow. "The Lord Conqueror requests your presence."
"Of course. Let's not keep her waiting." Lyceus replied.
The Conqueror's Chambermaid bowed once more to him, exiting the room together.
"How are you, Akemi?" Lyceus queried, as they walked to his sister's chambers.
"Fine, Prince Lyceus."
"I meant, being a servant to our Lord, are you finding your tasks durable?" Lyceus reaffirmed his question.
"Yes." She gave a concise reply.
"How about Ri? Are you two getting along whilst completing your responsibilities?"
"I have not seen her in as long as two fortnights, but, yes, when we're together, we are gregarious. She's very sweet and kind to me." Akemi responded.
The Prince smiled, thinking of his early meal with the petite, strawberry-blonde. "Ri's the sweetest, kindest person on Terra."
Thereon, they continued onward to their destination in quiescence.
{C&R}
The Lord Conqueror scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, undecided on what she wanted to do with the unconfined hair. The blue-eyed monarch was unsure whether she desired it pinned upwards in a regal style, pushed and tied to the back of her head, or simply leaving it alone.
'Screw it.' She submitted, letting the sable and silver tresses remain dangling around her sapphire orbs.
Even in old age, her excellent hearing could secern footfalls coming to a cessation at the antechamber's door, followed by knocking.
Closing the closet, she made her way out of the bedchamber, and traipse to the antechamber. "Come in."
Akemi came inside with Lyceus.
Accomplishing her formal address, Akemi pronounced, "My Lord, the Prince of the Realm, Lyceus."
Her younger brother also showed respect by inclining his head. "Good morning, Conqueror."
"Morning, Prince Lyceus." The Conqueror descried her Chambermaid. "Thank you, Akemi. You may leave us. I'll summon you once we are done conversing."
"Yes, my Lord." Akemi curtsied and obeyed.
Both siblings watched the foreign female walk out of the chamber.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" The elder sister prompted.
"Quite so, but she isn't more gorgeous than Ri." The youngest stated, observing the empty cups and plates that were left on two trays atop the table. "Speaking of your Handmaiden, will she be aiding Akemi in her duties today?"
The Conqueror was taciturn in her response, hence using the same lie she'd given Meleager, "No. Ri is studying. I granted her a few days off."
Lyceus was becoming agitated. 'Not only is she declining to tell me she's sending Ri away, but she is willing to not be truthful referring to it as well.'
The Prince noted the warrior apparel of the Conqueror. His eyes were fascinated by the chakram and the Lion blade, just like when he was a teen.
"Is there a war or skirmish happening that I am unaware of, Xena, 'cause you look dressed for battle?" He inquired, sarcastically.
"I'm not at all surprised you wouldn't know what's taking place within or outside these walls." Xena countered. "Maybe I have spoiled you too excessively."
"Spare me, Xe." Lyceus argued, knowing she hated the shortening of her name. "I may not have military knowledge like you, but along with your training, Meleager has taught me well to use a sword. And, I am aware of some things. For instance, why is Tessa teaching a class today? I seen how she acts among the Fifth Army. You do note that her temperament is a tad rampant?"
"My, my..." Xena was amused, letting the contemned sobriquet pass while sitting on her divan. "Seems I've been premature in my opinion of you. Who did you hear that from?"
'It's the pot calling the kettle black.' Lyceus criticized himself, starting his fabrication, "Denizens of the castle talk, Xena. Tessa shouldn't be hosting the students. Not even for a day. It is really Clydmus' class."
"It was his decision."
"What? I thought he loved teaching his pupils solo?" The Prince was confused.
"He do, but, the 'little ingrates', his term, not mine, are rattling his nerves. They are more interested in learning about weapons of war, rather than the greek alphabet and how it's applied to writing." Xena confirmed. "Though I don't know why, because she'd rejected it at first, Lieutenant Tessa of the Fifth Army finally accepted Clydmus' offer to show them a few displays on the subject."
"Ri is going to be there also." Lyceus revealed.
Xena stared into the Prince's blue eyes. "Really?"
"It appears that you're not knowledgeable of everything either." Lyceus unintentionally earned Xena's disfavor. "So much for Ri's studies. I assumed you knew."
"I bet you I'm aware of something you're not."
'I've already been apprised by Ri that you are sending her to the Academy in Athens.' Lyceus mused with a smug grin. "Yea, what's that?"
"I was gonna go with you, but since you are being a smart-ass, you're going to the Agora without me." Xena gleefully made clear.
"The Agora!" Lyceus became displeased, howbeit he didn't want the eldest to see. "Good. I wanted to take a more prominent role in the administration of the Realm anyway. What better way than dishing out the law to rule breakers."
Xena started to laugh with abandon, and Lyceus grew uneasy.
"You think that's it? Dealing with citizens that disobey the rules of the Realm? I stand corrected; you truly aren't cognizant of the obligations you appertain as Prince." Xena arose to her feet, and Lyceus acknowledged she was shifting into full Conqueror mode. "It is now that Cronus deems you to play some part in government, commencing today. Return to your chambers, take that vest off, put some armor on, arm yourself with a sword, and prepare to go to the Agora. I'm sure you are not informed on how to deal with every crime committed by criminality, so General Nale of the First Army will accompany you."
Prince Lyceus was disquieted.
"That is all." The Conqueror avowed, as she sat down again.
Lyceus bowed in obedience.
On his way out of his sister's abode, he presented a false smile. "Thanks for conferring me a helper, but for the record, it is unnecessary."
Closing the door outside the hallway, Lyceus' faux facial expression dropped.
Because of the task the Lord of the Realm commanded, one word silently erupted out of his mouth, "Shit."
{C&R}
Two wooden swords, including the remaining pieces of the practice dummy, that was carved in the shape of a human, were gathered and placed to the side, courtesy of the classroom assistant, Iona. The fifteen-year-old was very useful when it came to being demonstrated on. She, along with the remainder of the class, were thoroughly shown defensive moves. Exhibiting how to block, parry, absorb the blow of an opponent, as well as where to attack vital spots offensively, like the top of the head; from injuring the brain, to severing the throat's main arteries, or sundering the neck altogether.
Their brown-haired, substitute teacher went into vivid, gory details concerning penetration of the torso, listing the liver, kidneys, lungs, and most effectively, the heart. She described the effects of blood-loss and dismemberment of the human appendages whilst chopping the dummy's limbs off, before its crown met decapitation by her labrys, too. That act urged some of the younger preteens to almost lose their breakfast. Nonetheless, an older boy couldn't resist bolting out of the classroom to regurgitate the contents of his stomach.
Iona faired better than the inanimate object, although she kept rubbing aching hands together because they stung from the impact of her teacher's strikes with the wooden sword. Dark-green irises peeked at the blonde adolescent who had her long hair tied in a ponytail similar to her mother's, the General of the Sixth Army. Tessa's twin axes were sheathed in their normal place on the sides of both hip as she veered her gaze from the teenager to the main attraction, and the primary reason for her substitution in Clydmus' stead; the Conqueror's adorable Handmaiden.
Ri was highly engaging, finishing her tale that was based around a foolish king who'd entreated the god of wine for the power to turn everything he touched into gold. Not only dazzled by the loveable voice of the aspiring bard, but by her appearance also, for the storyteller donned a turquoise dress that was embroidered with golden designs. It kudize her eyes and strawberry-blonde hair, which was fastened up, leaving two curled locks hanging down on either side of her cherubic mien. The dress' length stopped above her ankles and black sandals. The straps of it athwart each other on her back, allowing all to descry traces of Ri's smooth skin. To Tessa's perception, she certainly didn't dress like a servant, garnering the look of a noblewoman, if not a princess instead.
Other than asking her to tell a fable to the class, the Lieutenant of the Fifth Army never got a chance to become acquainted with Ri. Notwithstanding, she heard others speak highly of the trim female, minus the exception of General Draco. He told Tessa how the Conqueror rescued the 'little girl' from slavers whom were once a part of her growing army during the quest to control all of Greece.
'I wonder if she's really a maiden?' Tessa ruminated, ogling Ri's figure profoundly. 'Because I would be most gracious to relieve her of the title.'
"After Apollo, the god of Helios, was professed the victor over the minor god Faunus, King Midas refused to endorse the winner, 'cause the sight of Apollo's yellowish aura and lyre put him in mind of his foolery years beforehand. The Lord of the burning celestial, healing, and music, wouldn't leave such dull senses unpunished. So a phrase from him invoked Midas' ears to transform into elongated furry ones. Now every musician could clearly see he had the hearing of an ass." Ri ended her declaim.
The students burst in laughter with applause.
When the acclamation ceased, Ri bobbed a curtsy, questioning, "Does somebody want to tell me the moral of King Midas' tragedy?"
"Yeah." A boy called out. "Don't ever get involved with quarrelsome gods. They might turn you into an... An ass."
The class began laughing rambunctiously.
Ri's embarrassed chuckle made her nose crinkle. "Perhaps you are right, Virgil. Anyone else?"
"We are enjoined to respect the gods." A female student confidently divulged.
"Yes, Iona. We must always remember the gods demand that humans must defer to them at all Cronus, no matter how petty they may seem. He's not the sole individual, but in this calamitous tale, Midas' dilemma is a prime resulting apotheosis of what will happen if you don't. His avarice caused him to transmute the many things he cherished into gold. Kindly, Dionysus reversed the charm, however, the King became angry and bitter at anything that resembled the color of honey. He went as far as insulting Apollo after he was declared the victory in the music competition against his patron god, Faunus, and in turn, was transmogrified. In the end, class, don't ever disrespect a god because they could possibly-"
"Change you into an ass!" Every pupil shouted in merriment, provoking Ri's embarrassment further.
"I was going to say, punish you, but, okay." Ri verbalized amidst the students' excitement.
"Alright!" Tessa restored order, and saw that the sand glass had expired. "I hope you all have learned a lot today. Class dismissed."
The students congratulated Ri for telling a wonderful, funny story, and begged her to do so everyday, prior to traipsing to their next classes. Virgil gave her a big hug in advance of leaving, too.
Iona was the last to bestow her appreciation. "You are amazing, Ri. I want to stay and chat, but I have to go. I can't be late for my architectural class. I'll stop by your chamber later."
"That'll be great." Ri agreed, giving the girl an embrace.
"And thank you, Lieutenant Tessa. I can't wait to tell my parents what I've been taught by you." Iona asserted, jovially departing the women.
"At least someone thanked me. I was beginning to feel invisible with you getting all of the attention." Tessa jested, turning on her own charms. "Yet, what can I say, you are awesome at storytelling. What else are you good at, Lady Ri?"
"I'm unsure." Ri contemplated if she had any other astonishing talents. "I am great at cooking, cleaning. Oh, and serving our Lord the best I can. Well...I used to."
Tessa was perplexed. "What do you mean?"
"Never mind." Ri quickly stopped herself from saying more.
She didn't want to elucidate on the Conqueror's arrangements for her in Athens.
"Thanks for inviting me. I must go, though. I have my own learnings to maintain. I've enjoyed your presentation on sword usage, and..." She grinned, crinkling her nose again. "The evisceration of the wooden dummy."
"You're welcome, but the honor's all mine." The brunette didn't want her opportunity to dissipate, grasping Ri's hand gently. "You are absolutely radiant. I can understand why it took you a spell to get here. I surmised that maybe you weren't coming."
Ri blushed. "Thank you. Sorry regarding my tardiness. I have to reciprocate, you look different without your brown armor."
Releasing the Handmaiden's hands, the Lieutenant of the Fifth Army glimpsed her own white tunic and brown trousers that had two tiny circular holes on the outside stitching to hint at the creamy flesh of her legs. "I'm surprised you'd noticed me, but are you apprising me nicely that you don't care for my outfit now?"
"No." Ri cleared the air by explaining in a bardic fashion, "What I was getting at is, you are beautiful, Lieutenant Tessa. Your green irises, whereas dark in tone, they manage to shine like verdant emeralds."
Tessa could only gawk into Ri's eyes like an idiot, unable to find her tongue for speech. She had been with numerous men and women. Conquered many conquests, withal none of them coaxed her to feel what the storyteller did, and with simple mere words.
Ri turned to exit and Tessa finally realized the moment was fleeting. "Talking to someone like that, I would think you were flirting, Lady Ri."
She twirled, smiling while slowly walking backwards. "I'm simply being truthful."
Once the Handmaiden disappeared in the hallway, Tessa mentally exclaimed excitedly, 'By Queen Juno, I'm so going to fuck her!'
{C&R}
The Conqueror stood on the dais in her large, Corinthian Throne Room as her General of the Fifth Army, decked in a polished brown armor with the insignia of his rank emblazoned on the right side of its breastplate, walked through the ingress. Getting closer to her, he saluted.
"General Darnelle, I wasn't expecting you. Did you abscond your drills on the training field to come here; leaving your wife stuck with both your army and hers?" The Conqueror jokingly prodded.
"I couldn't resist wanting to hear the babble Brutus' Envoys has to avouch." Darnelle beamed. "Glaphyra will understand."
His Lord smirked. "I assumed you felt I was too old and feeble, incapable of caring for myself during this conference."
"Older, you are, my Liege, but you're able to keep up with us youthful folks. You don't need me to protect you at all."
"You are six years younger than me, General. I doubt that nominates you being a part of the 'youthful folks'. Also, you are correct; I do not require your protection. I have Corinthian Guardsmen for that." The Conqueror predicated.
Darnelle exaggeratedly viewed the gothic chamber. Besides themselves, it was empty of any other person. His sight returned to the Conqueror, conveying the obvious.
She rolled her cobalt irises and sat on her regal, silver throne. "I wanted to have this congress alone."
"I have taken the liberty of welcoming them into the castle. They're outside the corridors. I can bring them in and take my leave, if that's what you command, my Lord." Darnelle insisted.
"You're already here now. Show them in, General."
"Yes, Conqueror." He smiled.
Joyously, he opened the oak doors for the two men. Cassius Longinus and Markus Pindarus entered behind the General, espying the dimly lit chamber, noticing how different it was from the splendor that was Rome. The stone walls were dark, creating a sense of gloom, and in the center, reclining on the sole embellishment of the entire spacious room, was the palpable Lord of the Realm. Wearing stylish armor, she depicted what her name around the known Terra suggested and more.
A Conqueror.
"My Lord, I introduce to you the Envoys: Gaius Cassius Longinus and his slave, Markus Pindarus." Darnelle imparted, standing beside her.
'A slave?' The Ruler of Greece cogitated, keeping her stoic visage as she glanced at Darnelle who was smirking.
"Thank you for receiving us, Lord Conqueror, but couldn't it have been in a more lively setting?" The male with sandy hair and boyish features queried, not fully knowing, nor concerned about the Conqueror's renowned reputation, because all he knew was Rome. "With all the money you have, it's a bit disappointing you'd permit such an impecunious-looking chamber to accept important people like my Dominus."
'Starting off badly.' The Conqueror groused, whilst Darnelle's smile grew wider, ascertaining what she was musing.
Both men were dressed identically like Roman Consuls. With their expensive white and red-striped togas promoting some sort of royalty, an unknowing spectator wouldn't be able to identify that one of them was in bondage.
The Conqueror averred, "You must be the slave. To answer your critical discernment, this room has remained in the same state it was in when I conquered Corinth. I've altered nothing but the throne chair, which I am seated on. I can't distinguish why you were brought here masqueraded as an envoy, nevertheless, if you insult me again, it will be for the last."
"A thousand pardons, Lord Conqueror." The long, brownish-haired Cassius apologized for his property. "Pindarus is my most loyal manservant, so I've chosen to bring him along with me. Considering the dark Cronus we are living in, a republican mustn't choose his companions lightly."
"Keep a leash on your thrall, Cassius. I've met a couple of people named Marcus whom I actually liked. One is a Roman politician, and seeing how you people have an infinitude for the compellation, that's a big statement. The other had neither the skin color or the same fickle behavior as most of you Romans." She expressed, remembering the only man she'd ever fallen in love with.
"Didn't prevent you from collaborating with Marcus Brutus in the assassination of Caesar." Cassius retorted.
"That was business. I had to let Caesar know that I'm a keeper of my word. Just like I truly want to keep this meeting as brief as possible." The Conqueror deadpanned. "What is it that Brutus wants?"
Clearing his throat, Cassius began to speak straight to the point, "Brutus, also myself, remain descrying the tyranny of Rome. It did not terminate with the death of the Dictator, and soon, either Marcus Antonius or Octavian will plot their ascension to become Emperor; eradicating the standings of the Republic. Surely you can see how that could affect your Empire."
"I do. It's safe to presume you and Brutus have come to that conclusion, too. Is that why he's shouting my name all over Crete?" The Conqueror probed, acrimoniously. "He premise I will join him and you to form a dependant trinity?"
"Lord Conqueror." Cassius had begun adjuring her. "Antonius and Octavian will go to war with each other. Brutus has seventeen legions and I have twelve at my disposal. With your resourcefulness, we can be invincible."
"I am invincible!" The Conqueror roared, arising from her throne. "I don't need either of you. You both need me. That's the main reason of you seeking my aid. You can cease your wordplay of appeasement, Cassius. The final thing I want to hear from you is the location of your brother-in-law, Brutus."
"He's in Crete, Lord Conqueror."
'I know that, imbecile.' The Overlord cerebrated. "Where in Crete?"
"On the island...of Dia." Cassius tentatively revealed.
"Make it known to him that I'll be paying him a visit." She warned.
Thereafter, the Conqueror gave her General a dismissing signal.
"Your audience with the Lord Conqueror is over." He declared to the pair of Romans, directing them to the egress of the room.
Pindarus couldn't halt cogitating on how an old bitch disrespected his Master and Rome. A region that was far grandiose and who citizenry were more civilized than Greece's; a backwards country.
Sans hesitation, Pindarus stopped mid-step and faced the Conqueror. "My Dominus has come to speak with you, and you treat him in such a way."
"Enough, Markus. Let's go." Cassius ordered, terrified of the ending result of his outburst.
"No, Dominus. She should be ashamed to call herself a ruler." Glaring into the Conqueror's eyes, he blared, "You're no better than Caesar himself!"
'Just went from bad to worse.' Her hand rested on the handle of the shining Lion blade.
Darnelle knew what it'd implied when she drew her sword in anger; it meant you were dead.
"You dote on your slave too much for his own good, Cassius. Sadly, you'll have to get another." The Conqueror claimed, moving menacingly towards Pindarus.
Cassius rendered his slave a pitiful look, and knew he could do nothing, emitting the liberating words to the enslaved mortal, "You're free."
As Darnelle ushered Cassius out of the Throne Room, Pindarus tried to travel with them, now curious why his Master granted him freedom, other than worrying over the Conqueror's withdrawal of her weapon, 'til his arm was gripped tightly. He observed the evil leer of the female he'd unfortunately insulted twice, suddenly gaining cognizance of his dire situation.
"Dominus... Dominus, no!" The newly freedman cried at the closing doors, preceding spinning to the Conqueror, imploring her with tears in his eyes and on bent knees, "Please, you don't have to kill me. I have learnt my lesson."
"Hush, Pindarus. I'm a woman of my word." The Conqueror affirmed, slashing his windpipe in a flash.
Shortly, the General of the Fifth Army came back into the darkened chamber to espy the blood that flowed from Pindarus' lifeless body on the floor.
"I think Cassius really was fond of him, my Liege. I swear by Pluto, I saw him shed a tear." Darnelle swore.
"Have the guards remove his carcass and tidy up. They can give the remains to Cassius for all I care. I'm going to bathe." Sheathing her blade, the Conqueror traversed passed him, uttering, "I have a date with my warhorse."
To Be Continued...