Ancient Greece

When the sun had begun to sink low in the sky, you retreated to your normal corner of the tent with a stack of maps to look over. Changsub had relinquished these maps when you would not stop asking him questions. He enjoyed it, but he also needed to figure out his next plan of action after you had been returned home.
As his men entered the tent, they looked worried. Changsub nodded at them to speak.
“We delivered your message and left, but there was a problem” Sungjae spoke. Changsub nodded again.
“There is a horde of men coming this way. It’s that large one we have had issues with in the past” he concluded. Changsub sat up straight before answering.
“Amphion and his men? They haven’t been around this area in nearly two years” Changsub spoke. Sungjae nodded.
“He is back now and he brings with him more men than I have seen him travel with before”
“What direction is he headed?” Changsub asked as he stood and began to get his leather wrist and leg armor on. Sungjae glanced in your direction before answering.
“To the palace” Sungjae spoke. The way he said this made you nervous as you looked to Changsub to gage his reaction.
“Sungjae, stay here and make sure no one enters this tent. Patroclus, pick four men and come with me” his men nodded and exited.
“I will have information about your family in the morning. I promise” Changsub said to you as he too exited the tent. You were left alone with your thoughts, worrying about the fate of your family.
You found yourself unable to concentrate on maps at the moment. The minutes seem to crawl by as you awaited Changsub’s return.
Giving in, you made your way to his bed and crawled under the covers. The pillows smelled nice, almost like your pillows at home that you filled with aromatic herbs to help you sleep. The covers were warm and smooth, and you realized how tired you were.
You were awoken the next morning when breakfast was brought in for you. The sun was already up and you were worried when Changsub wasn’t back yet.
“Any news?” you asked Sungjae as he placed the food down on the table. He jumped as you entered, thinking you were still asleep.
“Nothing yet.” He bowed his head quickly and turned to leave, as you walked over to Changsub’s chair and sat down.
“No one is allowed to sit in that chair” Sungjae told you, although he was smiling.
“And no one was allowed in this tent but I won’t tell if you don’t” you told him as you took a piece of food and placed it in your mouth. Surprisingly, it didn’t taste that bad.
“Is it normal for Changsub to take this long?” you asked as Sungjae turned to leave once more.
“Always hard to say with him” Sungjae shrugged. You nibbled a piece of food and looked apprehensive.
“Don’t tell me you miss him” Sungjae joked.
“More like: I dread to think what would happen to me if he didn’t return” you admitted and looked at the maps still on the table top. Sungjae excused himself as you fell silent allowing you to eat in peace.
No more than an hour later, Changsub arrived back at camp and headed straight for his tent. You were still sitting in his chair when he entered looking unfazed.
“News?” you asked, cutting right to the chase, not bothering to remove yourself from his chair.
Despite the news he was bringing you, he paused and had to stop himself from smiling, seeing you addressing him like you were his equal. You truly looked like royalty as you sat straight and important in his leader’s thrown. You raised an eyebrow when he didn’t respond right away, and he took a step forward remembering he had something to tell you.
“I do not bring good news” he waved his men out and approached you. Your features softened anxiously as he took the seat next to you in one of the small wooden chairs.
“Amphion and his men have taken over the palace. From what I know of them is the fact that they take no prisoners. I saw no sign of your family as we watched the palace windows although we couldn’t get very close. The place is crawling with guards and what Sungjae spoke earlier proves true; Amphion has brought scores more men with him this time” you stood and wrapped your arms around yourself. This was not news you were wanting to hear. Your eyes filled with tears as you began pacing, allowing your mind time to digest the information.
“To return you to the palace now would be murder” Changsub added, watching you in distress as you paced. It made him uncomfortable and he wasn’t sure if he should leave you alone or walk over and comfort you.
“We must wait here a few days.” You turned and faced Changsub. He looked unsure as you suggested this.
“It would be unsafe to remain here”
“I cannot just give up on my family. To assume they are dead is disrespectful. I would like to stay here for a few days and observe any more movement in the palace” you approached Changsub and spoke openly with him.
“I can give you two days, but if I hear word that Amphion’s men begin to comb this area we will have no choice but to leave” he told you as you took a seat next to him on a wooden chair. You nodded in agreement to this compromise and knew he was right.
“You look good in my chair” he added, smiling. You couldn’t help but smile halfway as he tried his best to make you feel better. Needing comfort, you reached out and pulled Changsub in for a hug. He felt stiff and unsure of what to do.
“I should be thanking you” you spoke in a soft voice.
“Why?” Changsub asked, finally wrapping an arm around you.
“For kidnapping me. If it wasn’t for that I might be dead or worse…” you trailed off as the thought of what could be happening to your cousins flowed through your mind. Breaking away from the hug, you began fiddling with your hands as tears fell down your face. Changsub didn’t know what to say, but fell silent and pulled you in for another hug.
The next day, Changsub left once more with a few of his men to keep an eye on your palace. Sungjae was left behind to guard the tent, and he caught you riffling through some treasure trunks for a change of clothes.
“You can get in trouble for looking through Changsub’s things like that” he said placing a tray of food on the table.
“Sorry, I am looking for some sort of change of clothes” you admitted. You kept finding gold and jewels in the trunks which, although very pretty, were not very helpful.
“I might have something that can help” Sungjae said as he exited the tent. You took a break from digging around to take a seat and eat.
Shortly, Sungjae returned and carried with him a handful of dresses. They ranged in color from white and cream to red and deep purple. He laid them on the table as you walked over and began holding them up.
“They were my wives, but I haven’t seen her in a while to give them to her. I can always buy her more, so these can be yours now” he informed you.
“Thank you, if you don’t mind” you said, picking a white one-shoulder outfit. They all seemed to be a bit more form fitting than what you were used to, but the dress you had been kidnapped in was falling into tatters.
“Why are you unable to see your wife?” you asked, returning to eat some food before bathing and changing.
“I sent her and my son to settle down in a town far from here. If she is seen with me she might get into some trouble, so I keep her far away” he explained. You nodded and felt sorry for him.
“That is brave of you. I’m sure your son will grow strong and appreciate your sacrifice.” You told him.
“I hope so” he nodded. You picked up a wine glass and held it up.
“To your son” you toasted, and Sungjae smiled.
A few minutes later, you were stripping out of your old clothes next to a water basin that had been brought in for you to bathe. Sungjae was keeping watch by the front of the tent for you. You sighed with relief as you were able to bathe yourself in the warm water.
Feeling refreshed, you styled your hair how your normally liked wearing it. All that was missing was the gold crown of leaves that normally adorned the top of your head. You stepped into the white dress Sungjae had given you. Adjusting it to fit with various gold clips, you walked out of the bedroom and sat down in Changsub’s chair, awaiting his arrival.
You didn’t have to wait long as he walked into the tent before the sun had begun to sink over the horizon. He walked into the tent, not bearing any specific news when he stopped dead in his tracks.
To him, dressed in white with your hair combed and pulled back, you flooded his mind with images that nearly made him blush.
“News?” you asked softly from his chair.
“Nothing new” he informed you and walked closer, slowly.
“No news can be good news, right?” you tried to calm your nerves.
“Sorry, I know water is a commodity but I used some to bathe today” you explained noticing how he was taking in your hair and your new clothes.
“Where did you get that?” he asked, pointing at your new dress.
“Sungjae said they were for his wife, but I needed them more than she” you explained as Changsub nodded. He took a seat next to you and began eating the food that had been brought in for when he returned.
“Is the palace still crawling with men?” you asked.
“It is, but they seem to be throwing a celebration. At least half of them appeared to be stumbling hand in hand with Dionysus.”
“That is good news, isn’t it?” you asked.
“The opposite. Strong wine can make men reckless. I will send men tomorrow to keep an eye on the place, but there hasn’t been movement towards us.”
“That is good news” you took a small bite of a pear off of Changsub’s plate. He raised an eyebrow at you but said nothing.
The next morning, Changsub sent out a group of his men in the hour before dawn. They were to watch the palace all day to determine if this was to be Amphion’s permanent residence.
“I pray to Zeus that he decides to leave soon” you paced across the tent as Changsub sent his men away.
“Pray to Ares if you must. I only ever knew Amphion to leave one place to fight a war at another place.”
“Pray for war? That is like praying for men to die and wives to weep”
“If it means you can return home, won’t you pray for anything?” Changsub asked.
“It feels as though there will be blood on my hands” you continued the banter. Changsub smiled as breakfast was brought in for the two of you. He stood and offered you his chair, and you laughed and sat down.
You hadn’t been expecting to hear any news from Changsub’s men until the next morning. You passed time with Changsub outside, learning your way around a sword.
“This is heavy!” you complained as he handed a dull silver weapon to you.
“It’s a two handed sword.” He said showing you how to hold it. You adjusted your grip and looked unsure as he laughed. You dropped the weapon at his feet which made him laugh more. Your annoyance with him melted.
“You are unfair! I have never been around weapons before!”
“Just the tools around the fireplace” Changsub eluded to your first meeting as he walked back towards you and took a deep breath to control his laughter.
“Try this one” he said and handed you his bow and quiver of arrows.
“Killing men from afar? Won’t they call you a coward?” you teased but strung up and arrow.
“They won’t call me anything if I aim correctly” Changsub said and smiled. He walked over and stood behind you, showing you how to hold your hands and aim.
“Release the arrow when you exhale” he whispered into your ear. Taking a deep breath, you aimed at a shield that was placed a few paces away. As you exhaled you released the pressure in the bow and watched as the arrow flew towards the target and landed a few inches from the center. You smiled proudly as you turned to face Changsub. He stared at the arrow and looked impressed.
“You should’ve tried to kill me with a bow and arrow, not a knife” he hinted to the night you had tried to kill him.
“Changsub!” you heard a shout from behind you. Turning, you saw Sungjae running towards the two of you, followed by the scouts that had been sent out earlier. They were carrying a lifeless bundle between them. As they got closer, you saw they were carrying Patroclus who had been part of the group sent to watch your palace.
“Take him to my tent!” Changsub shouted as he met them halfway.
Arriving at the tent, you stood to the side as Patroclus was laid on the table. His body shuddered as you saw arrows protruding from his chest and back. You could not fathom how he was still alive, although, it appeared not for long.
You froze as his blood covered the table and dripped onto the floor. Changsub and his men surrounded the table as what had happened was conveyed.
“Amphion has sent men to scout the area. We were ambushed.” Sungjae informed Changsub, who held the hand of Patroclus and gazed over his wounds.
“My body is meant to be sent back as a warning” Patroclus said with a shaky and breathless voice.
“They have made an error, you have been sent back alive” Changsub tried to comfort Patroclus.
“Not for long, brothers” Patroclus chuckled and looked around at the faces of his comrades. He shuddered once more and closed his eyes. He coughed once and lay still. Changsub sighed and released his hand, walking to a trunk that carried gold coins. Grabbing two, he placed them on Patroclus’ closed eye lids.
“We will have time to give him a proper funeral and then we must leave. Make sure only the best men are left behind to cover our tracks” Changsub said to the group. There was no time to be wasted. If Amphion’s men were out scouting, you would all have to leave quickly. His men, tearful and sad, removed Patroclus from the table and took him outside.
Changsub walked over to you, noticing that you had been too in shock to move. You had never seen death this close before.
“I’m sorry. I wish we could stay but it isn’t safe, especially for you” he told you in a soft voice as he cupped your face. You couldn’t look away from the dark blood stains on the table, until Changsub forcefully turned your face upwards to him.
“I’m sorry” he said again.
“We waited two days. You remained a man of your word” you pulled yourself out of his grasp and walked to his bedroom, not looking at the table as you passed it.
A lot had happened by the next morning. A funeral pyre was constructed quickly for Patroclus as the camp was being packed up. Taking to horseback and foot, most of the camp had been cleared out and sent ahead to construct camp far away from your homeland, which had become unsafe.
Changsub walked his horse over to you. You looked pensive as you knew it was time to leave. You had been hoping in the remaining hours that some news would be heard of Amphion leaving or of your family, but nothing came.
Gently, Changsub undid the shackles that had been holding your wrists together for the past few days.
“Do you dare try to run for it?” he teased halfheartedly.
“And become a slave to Amphion and his men? Tempting, when compared to you.” You quietly teased back. Changsub smirked as he turned to his horse.
“Can you ride?” he asked looking back at you.
“As well as any man” you agreed. Looking down, he stared at your dress.
“Order your men to turn around” you told him as his men within ear shot snickered. Changsub waved his hand as if to say ‘you heard her’. They turned, except Changsub.
“You included.” You smiled. He raised his eye brow and turned slowly away. The sound of ripping fabric reached his ears.
“Done” you said and walked past him and up to the horse. As he watched your mount, his eyes traveled up your now exposed leg all the way up to your hip.
“Get on” you smirked at him. His face went slightly red as he walked over and mounted his horse behind you. His men mounted their horses as well as a small group stayed behind to cover the tracks.
By midmorning, you and Changsub were in fits of laughter as you conveyed tales from when both of you were younger.
“How did all these men decide to follow a fool like you?” you asked.
“I tricked them. Sungjae and I. We lied about who our father was, but by the time they found out we were rich and they didn’t care.”
“I am still unsure why they made you the leader and not me.” Sungjae said as he walked his horse over, next to the two of you. As he spoke, his horse tripped and Sungjae went tumbling foot over sword over the neck of his horse.
“Very graceful, fair leader” Changsub said, causing you to laugh and coax the horse into a quick trot.
The evening, you arrived into a new camp that had been constructed before your arrival. You allowed Changsub to lead the horse up to his tent. It was by far still the largest, but smaller than before. You were feeling weary, having traveled all day.
The campsite was lined up against a rocky ledge. There was sand and small, dry bushes scattered all around.
As you dismounted the horse, you looked around at the darkening landscape. You felt lonely. This was nothing like home.
You walked silently into the tent and thanked the person who brought in the food. You sat down to eat at one of the chairs that was placed around the wooden table. Changsub’s chair was placed at the head of the table, and he walked in and stood next to it.
He looked from the chair to you and back.
“Why are you not sitting in your usual spot tonight?” he asked. He too shunned his chair and took a seat next to you.
“I am tired” you lied. Changsub nodded slowly.
“Eat well. We have to travel into town tomorrow. We need supplies, and I think you will have fun” he offered.
“I didn’t know there was a town out here” you admitted.
“A small town, founded and constructed by people who have found a home nowhere else.” You turned and looked at him, intrigued.
“Two things to remember…” he started to explain and held up two fingers.
“First, do not drink the wine. No matter how often it is presented to you, do not drink it. Especially at night. Second, you should do your best to cover your face. Your clothing should be…” he trailed off and gazed at your somewhat clean dress that was still ripped up the side. You yanked it closed under his gaze.
“We need to make sure you aren’t dressed like royalty” he said running his fingers through his hair.
“And why not?” you asked, offended.
“Then you won’t have to worry about being my prisoner, but someone else’s.” He stood and walked to a trunk that had been placed on top of a small table.
He pulled out some fabric and presented it to you. He wasn’t able to look you in the face as you held it up. You looked at it and then at him and threw it over his head.
“This is what prostitutes wear.” You stood and angrily wandered to the bedroom. There was no sheet constructed to hide you from view, as much as you wanted to be hidden at the moment.
“Respectable women don’t show skin like this, and I need you to shun being respectable. Just for a day” Changsub walked over and leaned against the back of his chair, facing you as you sat angrily on the bed.
“I refuse to go into town then!”
“We are only camping here for a night. There will be nowhere for you to stay tomorrow while camp is being taken apart. Unless you would want to help.” He walked over and sat next to you on the bed, taking your hands. He rubbed your palms as you sat there, puzzled.
“These precious hands have never seen a day of work before. Don’t let tomorrow be the first.”
“Then you expect me to grow content with accompanying you into town?”
“If I thought you to be content with it, I never would have asked. I daresay you will make me pay dearly for it later” he smiled as you stood up and returned to his large chair, and made yourself comfortable.
The next day, you could be found on the back of Changsub’s horse as you and a small group of men headed towards the town. You had begrudgingly put on the dark maroon outfit he had hesitantly presented to you the day before. Your shoulders were bare and felt hot under the sunlight they had never seen before. Like he had informed you, your face was covered.
“I can hardly breathe under here” you grumbled.
“We cannot take the chance that you will be recognized. By now word has to have gotten around that you were kidnapped and your palace was taken over. Cannot have someone thinking they can sell you back to Amphion” you did not respond.
“Not to mention…” Changsub stopped the horse in front of a long street market. He held out a hand to help you dismount, which you accepted.
“You are beautiful” he said pulling you close as your feet reached the ground. You rolled your eyes, but blushed. You pushed him away, and averted your eyes.
In no time at all, Changsub regretted bringing you along. You darted from stand to stand in the market faster than a jack rabbit. You had never seen so many interesting and new items. Changsub was forced to follow after you silently as you wore him out.
“Perhaps you would be put to better use back at camp?” you asked, walking slowly next to him. He closed the gap between the two of you as he saw men looking your way.
“See these hands?” he held them up as you looked at them, with a smirk on your face.
“They have never seen a day of work and I don’t want today to be the first” he joked. You shook your head at him and continued walking.
Reaching the end of the street, you were greeted by Sungjae.
“He is here. I know you were trying to avoid him but he must’ve heard of our movements. They say he arrived yesterday and he is asking to see us” Sungjae spoke quietly to Changsub.
“He has men in every corner of this earth. He must know, or he would not have been asking to see is so eagerly.”
“Without a doubt” Sungjae added.
“Remember the first rule that I told you last night?” Changsub asked, pulling you close and looking around.
“Do not drink the wine?”
“That one. Remember it, and live by it” he said dropping his voice and whispering in your ear.
He walked you down a side street, following behind Sungjae. This road was lined with shops that seemed to sell mostly women. At the end of the street, a restaurant that was taller than the surrounding buildings came into view.
Walking through the front doors, a strong fruity aroma reached your nostrils. It made your dizzy. You coughed and reached for Changsub’s arm to steady yourself.
“You’ll get used to it” he said, but made sure to hold you close.
Women were entertaining men around the room as you were lead to the back. Some were dancing, some were serving drinks, and nearly all wore a smile on their face. Following behind Sungjae and still hanging onto Changsub, they lead you to a back room.
The back room was less crowded, but the pungent smell was stronger. There was a long table, and still many women danced around. Some were serving wine while others carried food trays.
“My old friends!” a voice spoke out of the gloom at the end of the long table. It was low enough to not need chairs, but had pillows lined around it. There was a women on either side of the person sitting there, and a few more hung back behind him in the shadows. All sized hookahs were within arm’s reach of him and the hoses were being passed around the room. You tried to not cough once more, and be thought rude.
Sungjae and Changsub walked over to this man, who stood and greeted them like he had known them for a long time. They sat down next to him as he took his seat at the head of table once more. Changsub made sure to seat you in between him and Sungjae.
“Sit! Sit! Care for something to eat or drink?” he asked.
“We got food in town. Thank you, Ilhoon” Changsub said as women flocked over and began offering him their trays of food. You rolled your eyes. For some reason, they made you feel jealous, and you wanted to squash all of them into the floor. Sungjae was enjoying himself, with a wide smile as Changsub ignored the women as best as he could.
“When did you guys arrive in town? This is such a surprise” Ilhoon continued, taking the hookah that had been offered to him. He blew out a puff of fragrant smoke and gazed at you. He was enchanting. You had to mentally agree about not drinking the wine. Too much, and you were pretty sure this Ilhoon could convince you to do anything.
“You know we arrived in town today” Changsub answered.
“You have caught me” Ilhoon answered slowly, still not looking away from you.
“Have you heard the rumors?” Ilhoon looked away from you and addressed Changsub.
“I can only imagine the things you hear” Changsub gave a vague answer.
“There is a large palace that has been thought impregnable for nearly two decades. Word is going around that Amphion has done just that” Ilhoon took another drag of smoke and passed off the hose before continuing.
“He has. I saw it with my own eyes” Changsub answered. Under the table, he reached for your hand and squeezed.
“I have also heard rumors that a princess went missing. Amphion was looking forward to having a full harem, but he said he was lacking one” Ilhoon continued.
“Miscounted” Changsub shrugged.
“I’m sure he did” Ilhoon leaned back in his chair slowly.
“Wine?” a woman offered you as she pushed her way in between you and Changsub.
“Oh, none for me. Thank you” Changsub looked over as you answered. Your manners and timidity seemed as though they would betray you.
The conversation turned to the happenings around town and what each man had been up to. Changsub would steal quick glances at you as this woman would not leave your side.
“Hookah?” she offered.
“No, but thank you again.” you declined. She smiled. Her hair and skin were dark but her eyes were light. You had never seen someone like her and she was beautiful.
“I’m Nura. Ilhoon’s first wife.” She informed you. You only nodded in response.
“He would never admit it, but I am still his favorite.” She gazed around at the women that crowded her husband.
“Are all these women his wives?” you asked, aghast.
“I honestly can’t tell you. As long as he frequents my bed, I don’t ask questions” she smiled at you.
“I’m sure you feel this way about Changsub” she added, catching you off guard. You turned to her wide eyed. You glanced at Changsub and back at her.
“Where did he purchase you from?” she asked.
“I’m sorry?” you asked, again taken aback.
“Ilhoon met my family far to the east. They could never have found a better match for me so they agreed the price he offered right away. Was it the same for you?” you had no clue how to answer this and floundered. She leaned closer and studied your face.
“Or perhaps you met under different circumstances?” she dug for information, and you quickly realized you should answer none of her questions. She leaned back and laughed.
“She is the one, Ilhoon. You were right” she reached into her clothing and pulled forth some coins. She handed them to Ilhoon who smiled and tucked them away in a pouch.
“Changsub, you never deal with prisoners” Ilhoon changed the conversation they had been having a moment before.
“The rumors are true, then?” he asked, without being able to stop her, Nura reached up and yanked your head scarf off quickly.
“I can see why Amphion was loathe to lose this prize” Ilhoon added, studying your face intently.
“We should be leaving.” Changsub stood, begrudgingly followed by Sungjae. A short woman had taken a place in his lap, and she nodded along to whatever he had been saying.
“Not so fast. I have information that might be of interest to you.” Ilhoon spoke. Changsub paused, and listened.
“For the right price, I have word of your family.” He spoke looking from Changsub back to you.
“Name your price.” You spoke up and felt Changsub fidget.
Ilhoon stood up and took one step, bringing himself right in front of you. He lightly tapped your chin and spoke softly. His breath was sweet, and reminded you of grapes that you would be served back at the palace. You felt entranced once more and couldn’t move away.
“I think a fair price could be arranged” he said and ran his hands slowly up your arms.
“Glad we could meet with you today” Changsub said as he stepped in between the two of you. He shot Ilhoon a dangerous glare before grabbing you by the wrist and pulling you away.
When you had all left, Nura turned to Ilhoon as he watched you be walked down the street by Changsub.
“What a mess he has gotten into.” Ilhoon shook his head and sucked in more smoke.
“I have never see him so in love before” Nura said taking the hose from Ilhoon.
“He has never been in love before. He also doesn’t realize that he is. How precious…” Ilhoon shook his head and draped his arm over Nura’s shoulder.
The fresh air from outside felt cool and refreshing on your skin and in your lungs. You took many deep breaths trying to clear your mind.
“Sungjae, gather my men. We need to decide where we are heading tomorrow” Sungjae nodded at his orders and broke away from the two of you.
“Are we not going to stay in town a little longer?” you asked, having been enjoying yourself.
“It isn’t safe. If word is truly out that you have been kidnapped, we could be in a lot of trouble. If Amphion feels you are rightfully his, we have to keep traveling.” Changsub walked quickly to the edge of town.
“But Ilhoon had information of my family!” you said loudly. Changsub shushed you and turned. He grabbed your hands and searched for words.
“He says he does, but we never know if it is true or not.”
“It would’ve been worth paying him to hear what he had to say”
“He didn’t want money” Changsub said as he began walking once more, still holding onto your hand.
“Can you not think of something that entices men more than money?” Changsub added, when he saw you didn’t grasp what he was saying. As you took in this information, Changsub’s warning about the wine made even more sense.
At the edge of town, his horse was there where he had left it with some of his men. He allowed you to mount first and he followed behind you.
He galloped all the way back into camp and right up to the front of his tent. His men were there waiting. Some of them averted their gaze from you. This struck you as odd, but they seemed to be growing weary of you still being around.
Changsub walked to his chair and took a seat, while you made your way to the bed and sat down out of the way to listen. There were maps laid out once more on the table and Changsub looked them over.
“Word has it that the defenses in this town…”
“And this town…” a man named Marineus spoke. He pointed to the map when he talked about the towns that lay to the east and were not too far.
“Are low. We can become richer by stopping here and it sounds like easy taking” he concluded and waited for Changsub to say something. Craning your neck you could see which towns he was talking about and scoffed. Changsub heard you and turned around.
“Something to add?” he asked. The men in the room rolled their eyes.
“Oh, no. If you want to return to camp as a pincushion, be my guest” you spoke your piece and looked away.
“Which town would you suggest then?” Changsub asked and waved you over. Obliging, much to the annoyance of the men, you walked over and stood looking at the map.
“Whoever you received information from is wrong. This town of Minuros has been training archers for the last two years. My uncle sent them himself.” The men fidgeted. Marineus sighed and did nothing to hide his displeasure at being corrected by you.
“As for this town…” you pointed to the other one.
“Their magistrate has been sick for months. It is hardly a stretch to think his palace has been made weak as well” you concluded. Changsub smiled, but the men looked speechless.
“We cannot listen to a woman to decide plans of attack!” Marineus spoke and shook his head. His annoyance had grown into anger.
“Nor can we listen to someone who is acting pompous and misinformed!” you were immediately turned off by the way he was completely disregarding you.
“Big words for someone who does nothing but bed with the man supposed to be leading us!”
“And lead you he has!” the heads in the room turned from you to Marineus as the argument continued.
“I refuse to believe that you…” he spat at your feet in disrespect.
“Have a better knowledge of these lands than I do!” he dismissed himself and exited the tent, ripping the covering of the entrance on the way out. Changsub sighed and waved the rest of his men out.
You huffed and angrily took a seat next to Changsub.
“Archers, you say?” Changsub asked holing up the map.
“It was done in secret. We sent archers there when the defenses were weak, and they never returned. It explains why our defenses were so weak.” You shook your head and grabbed Changsub’s goblet of wine.
“Easy there, tiger. That isn’t watered down” he said taking the cup from you.
“Leave me. I am frustrated.” You took the goblet back and took another large sip.
“You pray to Zeus to have your home back, and to Dionysus when you feel frustration?”
“And you pray to no god, lest you seem weak.” You shot back and nearly drained he almost full cup. Changsub raised his eye brows, but did not look mad. If anything, he looked more intrigued. He took the goblet from you and poured the remaining drops onto the ground.
“To the gods” he gave toast and smirked, placing the goblet back in your hands. You were annoyed at his gesture. Normally it would’ve been polite, but coming from him playfully right now, it seemed mocking.
“If you disagree and send your men to Minuros then prepare to watch them die. Tell me, fearless ruler, where you keep your coins, for I shall be placing many of them on the eyes of your men.” You spoke, and poured yourself more wine.
“I have neither agreed nor disagreed with you” Changsub offered. It did nothing to quell your annoyance. The wine was beginning to hit you, and it was much stronger then the little bit of the watered down wine you had back at the palace.
“Men… all they care about is power. Gold, riches…” you rested your head in your hands and swirled the goblet of wine, spilling some on the table top.
“Some care about women” Changsub offered. You scoffed, and smiled at Changsub.
“Men care about their women at night, when loneliness comes calling” you teased and scooted closer to him.
“Some men can appreciate a woman that stimulates his mind…”
“Only if she is without clothes” you countered and took a sip of wine, leaning close to Changsub.
“To men…” you sarcastically dripped some wine onto the floor in a toast. You went to place the goblet back on the table but missed. It clattered to the floor as you giggled and covered your mouth. Changsub smiled at you and held in his own laughter.
“By Zeus, you are drunk” he shook his head and watched you lose yourself in giggles.
“Hardly” you said. Trying to stand, you tripped over your dress and nearly fell, but sat back down in the seat you had tried to rise from a second before.
“Speaking of getting women into bed, I think it is time you slept” Changsub stood and offered his hand out to you. Standing, you rolled your eyes.
“I- am hardly tired” you said as you tried to walk. Changsub chuckled as he watched you stumble and shook his head once more. He snuck up behind you and picked you up, carrying you bridal style to his bed. You protested, but allowed him to carry you.
He laid you on the bed and you grabbed a pillow.
“Changsub?” you asked. He turned and gazed down at you.
“Why do you pillows smell so nice?” you asked. He smiled and took a seat next to you.
“I keep lavender in them to help me sleep” he admitted.
“Can you not sleep without it?”
“It helps the body relax” he spoke in a quiet voice. You scooted over and rested your head on his shoulder. He reached up and rubbed your hair.
“Perhaps if you had someone to lay with you, you wouldn’t need the lavender” you whispered. Sitting up, you gazed at Changsub and leaned closer to him.
“You should get some rest” he looked away from you.
“I don’t want rest right now” you said, and pressed a kiss to his neck. His breath quickened, but you were drunk.
“You haven’t been promised in marriage yet. Your husband will want a virgin bride” he said, and hesitated, stopping you from continuing to seduce him. You scoffed as he gently pushed you away.
“Does your future wife wish to have a virgin husband as well?” you teased, but backed away.
“Lay here with me then” you asked as you made yourself comfortable on his many pillows. He sighed and laid down on his back. You rested your head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.
“Tell me a story” you requested as you closed your eyes.
“Once upon a time I kidnapped a princess and it was the biggest mistake of my life. The end” he said.
“No! A better story…” you laughed.
“That story was fine! It was based in truth.” He began rubbing your hair affectionately.
“If you are as poor in satisfying women as you are in storytelling, then I am missing out on nothing tonight” you teased. He laughed and looked down at you on the cusp of sleep.

Notes