Disclaimers: See Chapter 1

Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is tied in with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. If you haven't read the chapters preceding both stories, you should do so now.

The Conqueror & Ri

A Twist of Destiny

By Ahkiken

Chapter 7: Interruption

Beads of sweat slowly dribbled off Ri's forehead and neck, onto the sheets of the bed her body slept on. She was having an intense, lucid dream that seemed real. In it was the Conqueror with pure, long, raven hair. The Conqueror's appearance was youthful and it made her stunningly attractive whilst wearing a brown battledress that had bronze armor covering it. She was wearing dark-brown boots with intricate designed gauntlets on her wrists, and bracelets on her upper arms.

The Conqueror held a sword in her hand and the hooped weapon was clipped to her right hip, but it looked different than the one she usually equipped. She was on the deck of a gigantic ship, preparing to fight against warriors who used carved blades and had the facial features similar to Akemi's ancestral homeland.

The entire scene was mute when the Conqueror gave the sword a couple of twirls before engaging one of the men. She made short work of him by sweeping his feet so he'd fall down. The second warrior jumped in the fray, swinging his sword towards her throat, but she impeded it and swirled both their locked blades together until the man let his loose. After he was disarmed, the sable-haired woman did a jump kick, knocking him out.

A third stepped up to the challenge and the young Conqueror feinted a right swipe with her weapon to his abdomen. As the challenger went to block it with his sword, she roundhouse kicked him on the left side of his temple. He somehow managed not to fall, nevertheless, the force of the blow did make him spin. While his back was to her, she humiliatingly smacked him hard on the rear with the flat part of her sword. When he spun to face her, she hit him with a left hook, making him finally swivel in midair onto the floorboards.

The Conqueror grinned and yelled out something, causing all the unbeaten warriors to attack her at once.

Suddenly, the scenario changed with the Conqueror still standing on the deck as the victor, while all the men whom were her opponents laid on their backs, writhing in pain. Another warrior in blue armor, and adorning a helmet that concealed his identity, stood alone to face her. The armored man had a long pole on his back which he chose to attack with.

A wide smile graced the Conqueror's lips and she sheathed her blade, equipping herself with the circular weaponry instead, holding it by the serpentine bar that was centered in the middle of it. A brief moment passed, then the two combatants charged each other.

Next, the scene was altered again, and it showed Ri with short hair that was the color of white gold. The towhead was dressed in a sky blue robe, not unlike the kind Akemi wore once in a while.

In a large room that had an assortment of weapons, she stood in an open space for sparring, wielding an identical curved blade like the men who'd assailed the Conqueror, and was pointing it at a woman with auburn-colored tresses. The light brown-eyed female withdrew her sword and they squared off.

The scenery dissolved into another, where in the same room, the younger-looking Conqueror was reaching out her hand to the back of the short-haired Ri. The petite blonde quickly took off the razor disc and threw it at the Gerent. The Lord of the Realm's reflexes instinctively compelled her to duck the projectile. Missing her head, it became embedded into the wooden walls.

Before the Conqueror knew it, Ri was advancing towards her with anomalous twin forks that had three prongs. She unleashed her blade, too, and the three weapons collided. Albeit the scene was sporadic, skipping from one point to another in an unusual sequence with the dark warrior and the blonde-haired fighter battling each other.

It ended once the Conqueror shoved Ri up against the wall, their faces mere inches from each other's prior to becoming an erotic scenario. The two of them were now lying naked on a cot, and the aspiring bard was on top of the beautiful woman, rubbing her sex onto the Conqueror's thigh. Her Lord raised up and began to tongue the short-haired female's pinkish pale nipples. Licking them lavishly, then biting them gently, beforehand of kneading Ri's breasts together and capturing them in her mouth, sucking roughly.

Ri's head fell back in ecstasy, her hands clutching the dark mane of the strong Ruler beneath her. The Conqueror reversed their positions with her now on top. Wrapping the smaller woman's legs around her waist, she gyrated their drenched vaginas together, bringing exquisite pleasures to both of them. A person didn't need to hear anything to know that she and Ri were in bliss; their facial expressions conveyed as much. The two women's mouths connected in a seared kiss while their sheen-coated bodies continued to grind as one.

Ri became roused from slumber with a jolt whilst her upper frame lifted from the bed. "Gods!"

She sluggishly laid back down, and a petite hand wiped the perspiration off her neck, stopping to play with the jade pendant.

'Strange.' Ri panted, amazed at the jewel that glowed brightly, even when it dimmed down to its original tone. 'Wow. Milady sure knows how to give a gift.'

Putting the wonderment of her necklace aside, her dream was, nonetheless, bizarre. She hadn't ever seen the Conqueror fight or train on the practice field, nor anyone else for that matter. Yet, she was able to have a vivid, imaginative picture about it in detail as her Lord mopped the structured-planks with all whom dared to defeat her. The Conqueror was handsome in her older age, but she was magnificent young.

Ri recalled her own countenance with cropped hair and felt it was a gorgeous look, but dismissed the idea because the Conqueror would hate what it symbolized. Slaves cut their hair in submission to their masters and, although she would be any type of servant to her Lord, Ri couldn't wear her hair in that style to promote bondage.

She was slightly uncomfortable with the scene of her threatening that brownish redhead woman with a unique looking sword she'd never seen before, and strongly disliked the notion of raising a weapon or anything that could injure the Conqueror.

Hypnos could had kept that, however, the storyteller enjoyed the mental visualization of she and the Conqueror making love. Ri hadn't fathomed she could conjure up something so salacious, but it was worth more than gold. The only lewd thoughts she had were tame in comparison; a chaste kiss here, confessing absolute, undying love there. Nothing to that degree of sexual relations. The maiden wondered if, or better yet, when she and the Conqueror made love, would it be to the extent she had dreamt. Perhaps greater.

'Gods forbid less.' She entreated precise deities, clutching the pendant strongly.

To completely erase the remembrance of seeing herself trying to harm the Greek Overlord, Ri started to think about the sex fantasy more. The way her Lord devoured her breasts, which appeared bigger in the dream, prior to rolling both of them over with the Conqueror atop her, rubbing their bodies together. She'd begun imagining how that would really feel when she felt wetness flow between her legs.

Locking her knees together, Ri was puzzled by the warm substance that adhered to her inner thighs. She was cognizant that the blood moon wasn't upon her yet and became curious to investigate the sticky matter. Swaying her legs together to get comfortable and attaining brief physical stimulation from the friction, she unconsciously did it repeatedly.

Realizing what she was doing, Ri froze. 'By Vesta!'

Other than it being morally ambiguous to her, she'd never masturbated before because her ruminations were too sheltered to summon any visuals to use as an outlet to entice. But right now, Ri was beyond horny as she became sensitized by the experience, thus parting her legs.

Picturing the Conqueror's nude body rocking on top of hers, Ri's right hand abandoned the gem to leisurely travel from the center of her chest, continuing its downward path to the source of the sexual discomfort. Unable to cease raising the nightgown's hem above her thighs, the storyteller's mind was consumed with lust. Slowly slipping small fingers into her undergarment and touching herself tentatively, she became intrigued with the clear, sticky, hot liquid she'd discovered, smearing it between her two digits. Thereafter, her shyness couldn't win out against the lubricious memories.

Closing glistening eyes, she coated her fingers in the secreted lubrication, moving to her hardened nub. The instant she made contact with the engorged flesh, a low moan emitted from her. Ri continued to caress it, bringing forth fulfillment and more erotic sounds while she visualized the Conqueror taking her the same way she'd done in the dream.

"Gods." Ri groaned sensually, biting her bottom lip and moving a tad faster.

The strawberry-blonde had begun feeling a fire growing in her loins, provoking a deduction for what it was her body wanted.

Release.

With her fingers working in tandem, Ri was close as her moans grew louder. Instantly, a desire filled her mind to go inside herself. Finding the strength to postpone her unknowing orgasm, Ri placed an experimental index digit at the opening of her moist, virginal vagina, steadily entering it. She found pain mixed with delight, and as she pushed deeper, the ache increased, so she halted the action to deflower herself.

She was indecisive whether to discontinue her self-gratification or not, letting slippery fingers dally on her throbbing canal. Cognitive flashes of the cropped-haired Ri and the younger Conqueror's ardent kisses had enflamed her again, making the decision harder.

'No.' Choosing to unhurriedly remove her hand, she asserted a solemn oath, 'Milady will be the first to have my maidenhood. Also, the first to give me complete pleasure.'

Opening aqua irises, Ri saw Helios peeking over the horizon out her window. Rising from the bed, Ri's arms reached upwards in a wonderful morning stretch. Little toes trailed their way to her table where a clear bowl containing water was sitting on it. Cleansing her face and hands, she sat down, picking up the comb to straighten her half-curled, half-matted locks.

Working out the tangles, the memorized dream was still fresh in Ri's head, from the alpha to the omega, particularly the conclusion, coaxing lasciviousness to surge its course throughout her inner frame again. Ri had to see the Conqueror before she set out on her mission.

'Another kiss from her will hopefully calm my libido. Or ignite it.' Ri mused, considering an amatory thought, 'Maybe I'll give my virginity to her so she'll be well sated and relaxed for her journey.'

Combing her hair with a licentious smile, and a confidence that she knew was wavering, Ri rushed the finishing touches. Standing up, she was ready to surprise her Lord after taking care of her morning calling.

{C&R}

Meleager was resting on the sable divan in his temporary chambers. Akemi had just left to bring him breakfast when a soft knock was heard on the antechamber's door.

"Unless you are the Chambermaid, come back later." He tiredly called out. "If it's an emergency, save it for the War Room meeting."

"Uncle Meleager?" The vocal sounded quizzical. "Uncle Meleager, it's Ri!"

The Chancellor of the Realm got off of the couch and opened the doorway. "Ri. Get in here, girl."

The older man pulled her into a warming embrace, which was returned with equal esteem.

"What are you doing here? I was told you were to focus on your studies."

"I am. I came by to see our Lord. Word was, you were on vacation. What are you doing here?" Ri asked, ending the hug and shutting the door.

"I arrived back in Greece yesterday." Meleager answered, gesturing for them both to sit down. "The Conqueror mentioned you had accompanied her to Minerva's temple. She didn't relay my greeting to you?"

Ri acceded the invite. "No, she did not."

"Well, she is preoccupied with other matters." Meleager said, noticing the attire Ri wore. "By King Jupiter. Why are you decked in a shawl to cover your night shift and have nothing on your feet?"

In her haste to visit the Conqueror, she hadn't bothered to get fully dressed. "I needed to speak with Milady. It's an urgent concern."

"Is everything alright? It wouldn't have anything to do with your travel plans to Athens?" Meleager grew worried.

Ri became perplexed. "You know of that?"

"The Conqueror passed the knowledge onto me not too long ago. She instructed me to make sure you get there."

'At least it was Milady who told him, instead of Prince Lyceus.' Ri ruminated.

The Prince of the Realm promised to keep her secret, only to break it with his sister, causing Ri dismay.

"No, it isn't apropos to my apprenticeship in Athens." She apprised him, her mien becoming bashful. "It's something else between she and I. Nothing bad, though."

Meleager unwinded. "Don't scare me like that. You had me thinking it was a huge problem."

"No problems. Actually, I'm looking forward to Athens now."

The Chancellor smiled. "I'm almost envious. You're going to be learning from Aristotle. The Conqueror has surely set you on a marvelous road to success."

"I am forever grateful for our Lord's generosity." Ri was becoming eager. "Uncle, where is she? Is she in her bedchamber?"

"You've missed her. The Conqueror departed the castle a quarter candlemark 'fore you came." Meleager replied.

The long-haired woman felt dejected. "I didn't get a chance to say good-bye."

"Don't be sad, Ri." He patted her kneecap empathetically. "She'll be back soon."

She nodded in understanding whilst her small fingers twirled the jewelry that encircled her neck, drawing Meleager's attention to it.

"Hey, that looks exactly like the same jade Prince Lyceus had. I'm glad he'd taken my advice and got a new chain because the old one was rusty passed repair." His visage was happy. "He told me it was a gift from a citizen at the Agora for the Conqueror. I should've known he was giving it to someone he liked. I didn't expect it to be you."

"This isn't a present from the Prince. It is a symbolic promise Milady has chosen to grace upon me." Ri corrected.

"The Conqueror gave that to you?" Meleager's probe remained neutral.

"Yes."

The Chancellor of the Realm examined the radiant adornment with a keen eye. "I'd presumed the necklace was silver, but now I can see it's created from platinum orbs."

"Platinum?" Ri questioned, fingering the sparkling ornament.

"You are wearing an accessory worth two thousand dinars, and that's not including the gemstone."

'Two thousand?' Ri was flabbergasted.

From Ri's consternation, Meleager commenced prying, "The Conqueror is more than altruistic to grant a gift like that. As far as I'm aware, the platinum orbs has been harnessed for a couple of things; that happens to be building materials and minor weapon crafting."

"Like the altar in Minerva's temple." Ri averred, remembering the resembling gleam.

"Yes, yes. So, if you do not mind an old man asking, the symbol that's around your neck, is it the reason you are here in our Lord's chambers, donned in only a night gown?" Meleager inquired.

Ri deliberated the best way to answer. 'I can't tell him I came with obscene intent.'

Sex was distant from her cogitation now. The storyteller didn't want to lie to her surrogate uncle, but wasn't positive she could avow the truth either. Honestly, Ri was uncertain what direction she and the Conqueror were going in herself.

An impish grin formed on her pressed lips. "Let's try a game, shall we, Uncle Meleager? The way we used to when we were younger."

"The question game?" The Chancellor's face matched hers. "Alright. It's been so long, remind me of the rules?"

"We get three queries, but you have to be careful with specifics 'cause the answer could be misdirected and not fully revealing of what you are inquiring about. For example; I could ask, 'What are you doing today?' Although we both know you'll have a busy day to an extent, you can simply say, 'You're doing nothing.', which wouldn't be a fabrication because you will have moments in your day to do just that." Ri's nose crinkled. "Deal on the rules?"

Meleager loved his self-proclaimed niece. She always created fun, silly things for them to indulge in. He knew this was a conception to deprive him of information akin to when she was a child, but unlike then, he was determined to win this Cronus.

"I remember now. Deal." He consented. "I get to go first."

"Fine by me." She responded, anticipating his inquiry.

"What is the promise our Lord Conqueror-"

"Chancellor Meleager." Entering the antechamber, Akemi cut him off unknowingly.

She began walking towards them, carrying a tray of food and a rolled papyrus.

Placing the breakfast platter on the table, she apologized, "Pardon my interruption. I didn't know you had a guest. Good morning, Ri."

"Morning, Akemi." Ri greeted back to the hair-braided Japian.

The Chambermaid handed over the scroll to Meleager. "This came for you."

Recognizing the seal to be from Macedonia, the Chancellor arose off of the divan.

"Excuse me." Meleager justified himself, taking another seat at the Conqueror's desk to read the contents of the parchment.

Akemi was about to dismiss herself until she caught a glimpse of the pendant that decorated Ri's neckline. "Qoutis created that necklace for the Conqueror. How did you come to have it?"

The storyteller's hands had self-consciously touched the item of interest. "Milady gave it to me yesterday evening."

"It becomes you." Akemi hid her displeasure, saying in a huff, "Good day, Ri."

After that, she strode off.

"You, too." Ri professed to an empty space, confounded by what had betided.

"Ri." Meleager garnered her regard. "We're gonna have to put a hold on our little game. I have to take care of some things."

"I understand." The petite female assented, rising from the black furniture to exit the chamber.

"When I am finished, we'll do a late lunch if you got the free Cronus for me."

"I have a session with Master Eramus." Ri affirmed.

"Want to get out of it?"

"I would love to, Uncle." She beamed.

"I'll see you later, then, Niece." Meleager watched her open the door to leave when he teased, "And be dressed appropriately next we meet."

Ri chuckled nervously as she closed the threshold.

The Chancellor of the Realm lost his grin and glanced down at the missive on the wooden table, sighing. "You're going to be difficult, aren't you, Alexander?"

To Be Continued...