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 both story's chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. Thanks to all my readers and a special shout out to, Roc 5755. Keep reading it's going to get even more interesting, I promise. :-)

The Conqueror & Ri,

A Twist of Destiny,

By, Ahkiken

Chapter 20: Repercussions

Iona tried to dodge Tessa's kick that was aimed for her leg, but kept getting distracted by the other soldiers whom were sparring and practicing their own drills on the training field. Her attention becoming divert so easily, the young teenager found herself being felled to the ground again.

"Iona!" Tessa yelled annoyed. "In a real battle you have to stay focused. To lose it for an instant can cost you your life."

Iona got back onto her feet, dusting dirt off her tunic and trousers. "I can't concentrate with the other warriors here. They're a distraction."

"During an all out war, do you think your comrades, or the enemy's companions are just going to disappear?" Tessa was contemptuous.

"No."

"You have to keep your focus. If you're unable to do that, I suggest you give up being a soldier in the Conqueror's Imperial army." Tessa reprimanded.

Iona shook her head. "I don't want to yield my dream. Will you teach me how to tune out distractions?"

"I can't." Tessa said. "It's important in a skirmish of any kind, that you are aware of your allies and all your enemies. You may have to aid an overwhelmed compatriot, or defend against multiple foes."

"So, what am I to do, Lieutenant Tessa?" the blonde asked. "Giving up isn't an option."

Tessa grinned at Iona's tenacity to continue after repeatedly being knocked down. "I will conclude your lesson for today. We'll began once more tomorrow. Just you and me."

Iona didn't want to halt their session, but Tessa was right. The introvert girl couldn't stop paying attention to the many men and women on the field. Wondering if they were looking at her make mistakes, caused Iona to get nervous.

"Alright, Lieutenant Tessa." she acceded, handing over her wooden sword. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Taking the proffered weapon, Tessa inquired. "What do you have planned for the rest of your day?"

"There's a ceremony gathering this evening for the two scouts that died in Egypt. I'm gonna ask if Ri wants to accompany me."

Tessa thought about the pretty strawberry blonde and hoped to catch a glimpse of her as well. Since Prince Lyceus demanded she discontinue spending Cronus with the storyteller, Tessa couldn't help missing her.

"Give Ri my greetings."

"How about you give them to her yourself." Iona stated.

The declaration caught Tessa off guard. "I can't."

"Why?" Iona queried. "What happened between y'all?"

What did happen? Ri and her were enjoying themselves for the past fortnight, before Lyceus warned Tessa to leave the petite woman alone. Perhaps, because he liked Ri himself or was cautioning her about bedding the Conqueror's former Handmaiden.

'And I was so close to fucking her too.' Tessa ruminated in disdain.

"Are you going to tell me?" Iona was worried.

"Ri and I are still friends. It's just I might be busy this evening."

The answer abated Iona's worries. "I see. I'll tell Ri you said hi."

"Thanks, Iona. Be here tomorrow night."

"I will." she began walking off the training field. "So long, Lieutenant Tessa."

"So long, Iona."

{C&R}

"Come in."

Prince Lyceus opened the door to the Chancellor's temporary lodgings in his sister's chambers. His gait bringing him towards Meleager, who was sitting at the desk.

"The Agora kept me longer than usual... Again." Lyceus confessed. "What did I miss at the War room yesterday and today?"

"Nothing really." Meleager set the scrolls down. "I brought the returning Generals up to date on Rome, Gaul, and here. They were surprised out their minds to learn you are taking part in government affairs."

"I'm sure they had a good laugh."

Meleager chuckled. "They did. Then, General Draco gave me their report in Alexandria and everything seems to be going how the Conqueror wants it. Will you be at the ceremony this evening for Vancis and Temonicus, the two scouts that died in Egypt?"

"Yes, I'll be there to pay my respects." Lyceus asserted.

"Alexander will be making an appearance also."

"General Nale doesn't have anything nice to say about the Macedonian. From what I hear, Alexander II is abrasive and full of vanity. I don't know myself, though. I've avoided him since he's gotten here." Lyceus replied.

"Seeing is believing, Lyceus. Wait till you meet him."

The Prince smirked. "I rather not, personally. Will Ri be there?"

"I don't know." Meleager affirmed.

"Have you spoken to her?" Lyceus inquired. "Concerning her misunderstanding with me?"

Meleager began sighing. "I tried talking to her, but Ri isn't happy with you right now."

"Duly noted." Lyceus huffed. "That's why you were supposed to speak to her on my behalf since the ceremonial dinner for Lieutenant Oris."

"It's not that simple, Lyceus. There's more to it than you and her."

"My sister." he surmised.

"Yes. Ri was assured the Conqueror planned on courting her."

"I'm aware of our Lord's feelings towards her." Lyceus declared.

"You're not. You're not." the Chancellor refuted. "If you hadn't offended Ri again by telling Tessa to stay away from her, it all would have been resolved between you both. However, you've pissed Ri off and I'm beginning to suspect her anger is bleeding onto me."

"That whore for a lieutenant was pretending to be Ri's friend just to sleep with her. I wasn't going to sit back and let that happen."

"That's where you are wrong, Lyceus. Ri's informed about Tessa being promiscuous. They were friends and Ri really liked her." Meleager professed.

"I... I didn't know." Lyceus uttered.

"Make it right, Lyceus. I'll be speaking with Ri before she leaves for Athens. Okay?"

"Alright." the Prince concurred.

Meleager stood and embraced Lyceus. "I must confer with General Draco and General Palaemon dealing with the deceased scouts that belonged to their armies."

"I'm gonna linger here if that's not a problem."

"It's no problem." they pulled apart.

The Chancellor departed the antechamber as Lyceus sat down on the divan, cogitating on what Meleager said. Maybe he did overstep his boundaries with Ri's personal life by forcing Tessa to stop hanging around the future bard. He would correct the mistake and focus on another notion that was brought to light.

"Is Ri looking forward to the Conqueror courting her?" he questioned himself. "Why won't my sister back off?"

"Ri has an obsession with the Lord of the Realm." a voice responded from the Conqueror's bed chamber's archway.

"Akemi." Lyceus was startled. "I had no clue you were carrying out your duties here. I'll take my leave and allow you to do what's needed."

"No, Prince." the Chambermaid rushed over to him, bowing. "There's plenty of information you aren't privy to about Ri and the Conqueror."

Lyceus' interest became piqued, recalling Akemi's earlier words.

He offered for her to sit beside him. "What do you mean, Ri's obsessed with the Conqueror?"

The Japian woman's features were gloomy, while inside she beamed with sadistic joy. 'Repercussions are always paid for our actions Ri.'

Sitting next to the Prince of the Realm, Akemi began to divulge and twist everything she knew.

{C&R}

"All that are here!" the Chancellor's loud tone rung out in the Banquet hall. "We honor the two men and warriors of the Realm, whom lost their lives in service of performing their responsibilities! We eat and drink in remembrance of Vancis and Temonicus! Although this is a sad occasion, it's a celebration of life as well! Let's not ever forget the sacrifices that are continuously made for not only the Realm, but ourselves and the Lord Conqueror!"

"Long live the Conqueror!" cheers rang out from the crowd as Meleager took his chair after his announcement was finished, while the musicians begun to play a soft melody.

Seated at a dinner table, Ri started to drink her juice, thinking of the men she'd probably never saw that were now dead. Nonetheless, her uncle was right; celebrating life equal to death, made her appreciate what she had and the things she could lose.

"Ri." Iona rubbed her arm. "I'm glad you came with me."

The strawberry blonde smiled. "Thanks for the invitation. I would have stayed in my chamber for the remainder of the evening."

"How did you spend your day?" Iona queried.

"In the morning I had my tedious session with Master Eramus. Then, I visited Joxer and Virgil." Ri thought fondly of her Cronus with the father and son. "We chatted and ate lunch together. It was fun."

"Not too much fun without me, I hope." Iona jived.

"Just a tad bit." Ri giggled. "I wish they could have came also, but Virgil wanted to be with his father alone."

"Well, I had an exciting day."

"Oh, yeah. Training with Lieutenant Tessa. How did that go?" Ri asked.

"I discovered I have a fatal flaw." Iona averred. "I can become distracted easily. Lieutenant Tessa knocked me down more than I cared to count. We ended the lesson early, but we will practice again tomorrow when the other soldiers aren't on the field with us."

Ri caressed Iona's shoulder. "You'll get in the swing of things."

Iona playfully smacked Ri's hand away. "Don't tease."

"Tease you?" Ri feined being hurt. "What kind of monster would I be."

The couple burst in merriment as Lieutenant Oris walked to their table. "Hello, Ri and, Iona."

"Hi." Iona returned bashfully.

"Lieutenant Oris, how do you do?" Ri greeted.

"I'm doing fine, love. Actually, I wanted to inquire if you would join me for a dance, Ri?"

The petite storyteller looked at her friend before taking in the profile of the new Lieutenant of the First Army, who was decked in his white shining armor. An emblem deducing rank was on the right chest plate of it. His cropped red hair and violet orbs were a highlight for the Brittain.

"No thank you, Lieutenant." she declined. "I'm not much of a dancer. I'm sure Iona wouldn't mind being your dance partner."

Iona's honey brown eyes lit at the suggestion.

"Uh, that would be swell." Oris offered his hand and Iona shyly seized it with her own.

Next, he led her out to the open space of the Banquet hall.

Ri relaxed, viewing the men and women in the expansive hall, recognizing most of the people she had met at the last public dinner. Greenish blue irises connected with dark blue, causing Ri to turn away and partake in eating the food in front of her.

Prince Lyceus felt dejected that Ri wouldn't even bestow a greeting to him. His dejection quickly stirred into anguish as he remembered what the Chambermaid had told him. Now he knew everything, but chose to withhold sharing it with the Chancellor, until Meleager spoke to Ri. Hopefully, the former Handmaiden would understand her folly and apologize to him. Lyceus deserved that, and he was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

The Prince of the Realm glanced at the woman he'd insulted and trekked towards her to make amends for Ri's sake.

"Lieutenant Tessa, may I speak with you privately?"

"Prince Lyceus." she rose from her seat. "Yes, you may."

They traversed to an unoccupied area.

"I was wrong to dictate you had lewd intentions for being Ri's acquaintance without proof. It has come to my knowledge she genuinely cares for your friendship. My order for your restriction is lifted." Lyceus elucidated.

Tessa became jubilant. She could regain what she'd sworn she had lost.

"Thank you, Prince Lyceus." she bowed. "I'm relieved you are allowing our friendship to continue."

Lyceus scoffed, feeling he knew Tessa's true motives. "Trust me, Lieutenant. You have no chance either way."

Tessa was baffled by his comment. "I don't follow you, my Prince."

Lyceus ignored her and stalked away. The Lieutenant of the Fifth Army was left in puzzlement. Observing the hall, she spotted the woman of her dreams seated at a table all by herself. Strawberry blonde hair was combed straight down the sides of her face as Ri drank and ate, while listening to the music that resonated throughout the Banquet. Tessa wanted to go to Ri and tell her the fantastic news, but rejected the decision. Instead, she followed on another hopeful conquest.

"This is nice and all, but it's nothing compared to most of the extravagant dinners I have in Macedonia."

General Nale rolled his eyes, tolerating the young man's bragging, wondering why Alexander searched him out in the first place.

"Am I boring you?" he questioned.

"Not really." Nale said.

"You don't have to lie, General." Alexander replied.

"What make you think I'm lying?" Nale inquired.

"Because." Alexander moved closer to him. "Your eyes tell me different."

The General of the First Army grew uneasy with Alexander's sudden closeness. "And why would you be looking in my eyes?"

"You know why."

Nale became more perplexed. "I may have given you the wrong impression. I'm just being kind. That's the only reason I am entertaining your childish behaviour, Alexander."

"Please, General Nale. Call me Alex."

"What is it that you want, Alexander?" Nale gave no heed to the shorting of his name.

Alex grinned, loving the challenge. "I like you, Nale. You have a no-nonsense air about you. It is a turn on to see you acknowledge who I am, but will often subject me to how you honestly feel. No flatteries, similar to others that wishes to appease me."

"You want to take me to your bed?" Nale laughed at the absurd seduction. "Not happening."

"Why?" Alexander's grin never faded.

"Truthfully? Cause you're arrogant, conceited, selfish, cruel to your slaves I overheard, and irritating. Need I say more?"

"Yet, here you are, still at this table with me." Alex countered.

"I'm not looking to be your bed mate." Nale pronounced. "If you want somebody easy, they're coming to you now."

Alex's facial expression showed confusion till Tessa sat next to him.

"Hey, where have you been hiding?" she breathed in his ear.

"Lieutenant Tessa, how are you?" Alexander portrayed nonchalance.

Tessa was a little put off. "I have an itch that needs scratching. Later, we could go back to my barrack, or your chamber and pick up where we-"

"Not tonight." Alex interjected. "You'll have to find some other bed warmer my dear. General Nale and I were having a wonderful conversation and I would like to get back to it."

Tessa couldn't believe her ears, but accepted it all the same. "I'll leave you guys to it."

Arising, the brown-haired Lieutenant strolled from the two men's table.

Nale was viewing the interaction in silent scrutiny. "You plan to do that to me? I don't think so."

He began to stand, but Alex grabbed his wrist as gently as possible. "Dinner in my chamber. We'll talk about whatever topic you want and see where it'll go from there."

General Nale became delighted by the offer, but remained cautious. "We'll see."

Alex displayed a widen smile. "Let's drink to that, shall we."

'Fuck that bi-sexual asshole.' Tessa thought. 'I'll find another source of entertainment.'

Gazing at Ri, Tessa was heading towards her, but halted after seeing Iona take a seat beside the beautiful woman. 'Damn it! Some other day then.'

"Did you enjoy your dance?" Ri queried.

"Yes, I did." Iona took a sip of her orange juice. "Lieutenant Oris still likes you, but I told him your heart is set on someone else."

"Did you tell him who it was?"

"If I knew, I wouldn't have. He got the picture, though." Iona answered.

"You like him. That's why I suggested for you to take my place dancing." Ri avowed.

"Thanks." Iona blushed, before shaking it off and holding her cup up in a mock toast. "To us, Ri. In hopes we obtain what our hearts and souls truly desire."

Ri held hers up as well. "To us."

Clinking their ornate cups together, the giddy females drank their juice, unaware of the terrible phrase. Not only is it bad luck to refuse a toast in your honor.

It's also bad luck to toast with anything other than spirits.

To Be Continued...