by Andromeda
Chapter Thirteen
To say that married life was bliss was a complete lie when it came to Philomena and Darius. The two young adults hated each other. While they had only been married for a couple of days, it was clear of this disdain for each other. While most couples wouldn’t be able to keep their hands off each other, this couple couldn’t seem to be separate enough. While most couples would be doing activities together, this couple seemed to always be on opposite sides of the palace.
Zenobia, who had noticed this long before anyone else, frowned deeply and was disturbed by this. She knew that all eyes of the world were on them, and seeing how the young couple could hardly be in the same room together before they started arguing, she knew that this was going to be hard. They reminded her of Alexander and she at the beginning of their relationship; if she could truly call that first stage of them knowing each other a relationship. It was rough at first, but later grew to be so much more. However, the two of them had to fight for it; she wasn’t sure if Philomena and Darius wanted to do that.
“Drachma for your thoughts, my lady?” a deep voice said at her side.
Zenobia lifted her head and found herself looking into the grey eyes of Ajax. Instantly, she felt her heart quicken, and then she scolded herself for feeling such things for a man she hardly even knew. True, Alexander told her that his feelings were good, but she couldn’t give all her trust into the spirit of her dead husband.
“I am too busy for your food hardy questions,” she snapped at him, turning around and walking away.
Ajax stepped into her path. “Do not run, my lady. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that…you were afraid of me…”
That pushed the right buttons and he knew it; Zenobia hated to be viewed as weak. So, when she stopped and turned on him, he knew the explosion that was coming in a matter of seconds.
“No, I am not afraid of you!” Zenobia barked at him. “I’m not afraid of anything!”
Ajax smirked, she had reacted just the way he wanted. Oh, really? Well then…if I do not fright you, then you surely won’t mind if I do…this…”
His fingers caressed her bare arm gently. Sparks shot through her body at his touch and she almost leaned against him, but she shook her head to clear it. She was a queen, not some love-sick girl fawning over her first crush. She had power, position and money; three things that everyone wanted, yet…sometimes, it didn’t feel like it was enough for her.
“N…No,” Zenobia said, pulling herself to her fullest height. “That does not bother me at all.”
Ajax smirked again and backed her against a darkened corner. “Oh, really?” he asked, his voice like silk. “Then you don’t mind me…doing this…”
He cupped her, only this time, it wasn’t through her gown. His hand moved under the fabric and he gripped her groin gently. She was hot against his palm; both of them groaned softly, but he controlled himself. Slowly, he slid a finger inside her, feeling her wetness, and then began to move them.
Zenobia moaned deeply, her back arching as she gripped his shoulders. Her legs spread wider without her command, wanting his touch. His skillful fingers moved, making her moan, groan and pant; the bit of her nails sharp on his shoulders. Ajax knew exactly how to make her purr like a cat, but soon for him, just touching her wasn’t enough for him; he had to have her.
Picking her up, he carried her into an empty room and knocked everything off a desk. Pulling her gown up to her waist, he tugged at the strings of his leggings to get them loose. Amazingly, Zenobia helped him. All thoughts of caution had left her mind and all she left right now was lust. Once he got himself free, Ajax parted her thighs and slid inside.
Both of them groaned deeply, their backs arching as he pushed all the way in and held still for a moment. Ajax grinned at her, then put her legs over his shoulders, and then moved his hips at a maddening pace. The table creaked in protest, but he ignored it; all he could focus on was the feeling of her warmth around him.
Zenobia moaned deeply, panting softly as he moved within her. It had been so long…so long since the loss of Alexander, she had forgotten how a man would feel inside her. She had forgotten how good it felt, how complete it made her feel to know that she would share an intimate act like this with someone… It had been so, so long that she had forgotten…
Sweat beaded on his brow as he pushed himself deeper and deeper within her, working to push her over the edge. This wasn’t lovemaking like Philomena shared with Abeeku; this was sex, pure and simple. This was raw, passionate sex that she hadn’t had in almost a decade.
One last deep thrust and both of them broke, their release tearing through them as they came crashing back down to earth. Zenobia groaned and fell back on the table, panting to catch her breath. She had forgotten….
Ajax was smirking at her in triumph and he leaned down and looked into her eyes. “Tell me…you didn’t enjoy that, Your Highness.”
“I won’t lie,” Zenobia said. “I enjoyed that greatly.”
He began to move his hips again slowly. “All I want…is to please my lady, the queen,” he said slowly. “And this is one of the main ways I know I can…”
She groaned softly and took a leap of faith. “Alright.”
Ajax grinned and gripped her to him tightly. For the next couple of hours, the captain did exactly as he promised and pleased her greatly. When they were finished and straightened themselves up, Zenobia walked to her chambers in order to take a bath. Sinking into the hot water, she sighed softly and closed her eyes, considering what she just did. She felt it; the stabs of betrayal she felt in giving in so easily, yet… The air became freezing, and slowly, a smoky form appeared in front of her.
“Alexander,” she whispered, sitting up.
He grinned at her. “How was it?”
She flushed. “How…do you know?”
“Do not be ashamed, my love,” he said to her. “There is no reason to be; you are in the right.”
“I feel as if…I shouldn’t be doing this,” she said. “Alexander…”
His hand reached out and cupped her cheek. “Will you stop worrying? I said that I want you to be happy; you deserve it, my love.”
She rubbed her cheek against his palm. “I miss you…”
“So do I,” Alexander said. Slowly, he began to fade. “Remember I am always here and watching. Always…”
Chapter Fourteen
“ALL HAIL THE QUEEN! ALL HAIL KING ALEXANDER’S DAUGHTER!” the people cheered.
Philomena listened to her people chant her name with pride. The chair that she sat in was carried on the shoulders of four men, swaying slightly if they hit a bump in the road. At her side sat Darius, who looked as stiff as a board. The young man’s eyes looked over the crowds, though he wasn’t watching anyone in particular.
The young couple had been married for less than two months and the tension was still thick. Neither of them wanted to look at the other, neither of them wanted to walk to the other; neither of them could barely even breathe the same air of the other. They had to be forced to do anything together.
Darius watched as the crowds pressed close, tossed offerings to Philomena, and asked for the blessings of the gods. He watched as she smiled and stretched out her hands to give them gentle caresses, or tickle the chins of small children, or even blew kisses to the people assembled. They loved her, and she loved them too; anyone could see that.
He wondered for a moment what that would feel like to have the complete adoration of his subjects and their respect. He wondered what it felt like to have parents who loved him. He wondered what that truly felt like: love.
Amani said she loved him, but she was just a slave; her pleasing him was a part of her survival. His mother said she loved him, but she was his mother and was required to love him; she didn’t have a true choice in the matter. What Darius really wanted was for someone to love him, for him. Not because he was king; he wanted to be loved for himself.
“They seem to really like you,” he s
aid aloud.
Philomena turned from where a woman had offered her a flower. “My father taught me from an early age that the will of the people is the will of the gods,” she said back.
“He sounds…like a wise man,” he remarked.
“He would still be here if it weren't for your father,” she said coldly.
Darius turned his head; he knew that people blamed him for what his father had done. He knew that many of the people were chanting for his head to be placed on a spike, rather than be on his shoulders. That was why the binds of the marriage contract were so tight; he knew there wasn’t going to be an easy way out of it.
Looking at her, he noticed that her face had fallen dramatically when she mentioned her father, and he considered trying to build a bridge. He was going to be stuck in Sparta for a while, as his council told him before he left to spend as much time as possible trying to get her with child and not come back until he was sure.
“I am…sorry for your loss,” he said tightly. “I…lost a father too in that war…”
“A war your father started,” she snapped at him, before turning away to look back at the people.
Darius frowned. He was trying, but she didn’t seem to want his help. He got the hint and closed his mouth, not saying another word.
*******
Dorian watched as Philomena and Darius returned from their ‘exploration’ around the city and smirked to himself. He was going to make his move. Waiting until Philomena left, he approached Darius and bowed his head.
“My lord, I don’t believe we have had the honor of meeting,” he said.
Darius turned to look at the man who had approached him and he tilted his head. “Do I know you?”
“I’m afraid not, my lord,” Dorian said. “But allow me to introduce myself. I am Lord Dorian; it is nice to meet you.”
Darius frowned slightly; that name seemed familiar to him… “Where are you from, Lord Dorian?” he asked.
“Here in Sparta, my lord,” Dorian answered. “I am…kin to the royal family.”
“Oh, really?” Darius asked. “How so?”
“On my father’s side,” Dorian answered slyly. “I am quite close to the royal family.”
“Oh, really?” Darius asked. “I did not know that. Honestly, I am…in need of some advice, my lord, if you are as close to the royal family as you say.”
Dorian nodded and directed Darius out of earshot of the other servants. “How might I help my lord?”
“Well…” Darius said, seizing on the chance to make some kind of ally in this city. “I am having a bit of trouble with my wife…”
“What kind of trouble, my lord?” Dorian asked.
“Well, she seems so cold towards me,” Darius explained. “And…I don’t know why…”
This is just too easy… Dorian thought to himself smugly. “Have you tried to win her heart, my lord?” he asked.
“I…haven’t exactly tried,” Darius confessed. “But she seems so…distracted…”
“Well, that is easily explained, my lord,” Dorian said. “She is with someone.”
Darius stopped suddenly and looked at him. “What?”
Dorian pretended to act shocked. “Oh, my Lord, forgive me, I thought you knew. All of Sparta knows that Queen Philomena has a lover.”
An unknown rage rose within Darius at his words. To think that Philomena had resisted him so furiously every time he tried to do his duty, yet she opened them so easily for another? The thought made him furious.
“Who is he?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“I…I should not say…” Dorian said, feigning shock.
“I command you to tell me!” Darius barked.
Dorian smirked slyly. “He is the general of the army,” he explained. “Abeeku, my lord…”
Darius didn’t know who that was, but he knew that it wouldn’t be hard to find out who he was. Not saying a word to Dorian, he turned on his heel and left, storming into the palace and heading to the army barracks.
Dorian watched him, his grin a mile wide. Things had begun to move, and if he were blessed by the gods, they would quickly. The first stage of his plan was simple: keep Darius and Philomena apart, while he also worked behind the scenes. Then, when the marriage broke apart, he would offer himself up as a replacement. It was a simple plan, but he knew would take a lot of work; it would also cost him his head if he didn’t play his cards right. But he knew what to do. Nothing was going to stop him from taking what he thought was his.
*******
It wasn’t hard to find the army barracks, and Darius crashed into them like a Minotaur. The soldiers looked at him confused, and his eyes scanned over them; his mind wondering which one of them was ‘Abeeku’. The soldiers whispered among themselves in Greek, until one of them bravely approached the young king.
“Can I help you…my lord?” he asked.
“Which one of you is Abeeku?” Darius demanded. “Tell me!”
The soldiers looked among themselves. They didn’t wish to give up their commanding officer; however, this man was their king consort and he held their lives in his hands. They were confused at what to do.
“The General…” a soldier said slowly, “is not here at the moment…”
Darius glared at the man and pointed his finger at him. “Well, when he gets here, I command that he be sent to me, immediately. We need to talk.”
As if summoned by the gods, the door opened and Darius turned around. Abeeku stepped in, his long black hair was slightly soaked with sweat, and he smelled like passion and desire. He looked around, surprised that none of his friends had moved to greet him; instead, he found himself looking into the blazing blue eyes of Darius.
“Can I serve you, my lord?” Abeeku asked, not really sure what was going on.
“I am searching for the one called Abeeku,” Darius said, not knowing to whom he spoke. “He is having an affair with my wife.”
Abeeku had to force himself from laughing. “Oh? Well, then he must be a lucky man to be in the bed of the Queen of Sparta…”
“I will have his head!” Darius barked. “No one is to sleep with the queen but me!”
“And yet you have a whore on the side,” Abeeku said before he could stop himself.
Darius moved until he was mere inches from the young man. “You speak quite boldly for a soldier. Do you know who you are talking to?”
Abeeku stood his ground. “I know exactly who I am talking to, my lord. The main question here is, do you know?”
Darius gritted his teeth, glaring into Abeeku’s eyes. He didn’t know who this young man was, yet he spoke with a confidence of one who was sure of his position for life. Pulling away from him, he grunted and turned around, storming away, leaving them behind. He should have gone to Philomena. He should have gone to her and tried to clear his mess up, but he was too embarrassed and furious to think straight. Instead, he went to the one person who seemed to always understand him: Amani.
Chapter Fifteen
Philomena sat in her mothers’ room, looking over reports and other business matters that were laid out before them. She and Zenobia were looking over the accounts for the palace, making sure that everything was balanced. The tribute from their territories was coming in smoothly; everything seemed fine. Yet, Zenobia could sense that something wasn’t all the way right with her daughter.
“Mena?” Zenobia said suddenly.
“Hmmm?” Philomena mumbled, lifting her head.
“How have things been with Darius?” Zenobia asked.
Philomena’s jaw tightened and she turned her head away. “Fine.”
Zenobia arched an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Then why do I sense otherwise?”
“Mama,” Philomena said sharply. “With all respect, I kindly ask you to mind your own business.”
“The future of Sparta is my business,” Zenobia said pointedly. “And the future of my family is included in that.”
Philomena turned her head and set her jaw. She didn�
�t want to talk about this right now, but she knew that her mother wouldn’t stop pressing until she talked. However, she could be equally stubborn. When Zenobia noticed that Philomena wasn’t talking, she frowned and turned her daughter back to look into her eyes.
“Mena…” she said in a warning tone. “Have you even talked to the man?”
“I have nothing to talk about with that man!” Philomena snapped. “He doesn’t deserve my company!”
“And how do you know that?” Zenobia asked with an arched eyebrow. “You haven’t given the man a chance.”
“I know that I won’t like him!” Philomena said. “He…he is too boar-headed! He is always with that whore of his and…”
Zenobia held up her hand. “Minor things that could be fixed,” she said. “You are boar-headed, too. You have a lover you always are with…shall I go on?”
Philomena hated it when her mother always seemed to be right in things. Zenobia was much wiser than her daughter, of course, and nothing that Philomena claimed to be experiencing was new to her. She had gone through all of this when Alexander was alive; she had to deal with his personal whore, Iraia. Yet, she overcame it by being the bigger woman, by being the better woman and trying to give Alexander a chance. If she hadn’t given him a chance, she didn’t know what her life would have been like.
“You must learn to forgive and try to put the first foot forward,” Zenobia said soothingly. “You must learn, my daughter, that men are weak fools who, without a strong woman at their side, will run themselves into ruin.”
“But I shouldn’t have to do that!” Philomena complained. “I don’t have to do that with Abeeku!”
“Every man is different,” Zenobia sighed. “And the royal ones always seem to be pain in the asses. But he is your husband, Mena; you promised him your love before the gods. And if you do not believe in the Greek gods, know that the Ancestors are always watching. Without them…I don’t know what my life would be.”