Ancient Greece

Packing up Changsub’s horse, you were beginning to feel excited and anxious to see your family again. Changsub hovered nearby, watching, and not saying much.
“Looks like I am ready.” You fastened the last small bag you were bringing on your short travels and walked to Changsub to say good bye.
“Are you sure you have water?” he began asking you as he looked over the saddle and other various things you had packed.
“Yes.”
“And a map?”
“Yes”
“What about a weapon?” he added as he rounded the back side of his horse.
“Changsub, yes!” you grabbed his shoulders and held him firmly.
“Would you like to come with me to make sure I stay safe on the journey?” you asked.
“No way. I know the kind of welcoming they give kidnappers” he shook his head and turned, making his way back into his tent. You followed persistently.
“You are an unsuccessful kidnapper, if you are returning me.”
“I took you in the first place, and I don’t think that will bring me any gestures of welcome” he walked to his chair and sat down. You followed and crossed your arms.
“You need to get going before it is dark” he added, noting how you did not seem eager to be on your way.
“You need to meet my family someday” you concluded hopefully, and exited the tent. Changsub rolled his eyes and made himself comfortable in his chair. There was no way he was leaving with you to meet your family today.
Walking the horse in the direction of Minuros, Changsub sat reluctantly behind you. As you neared your destination, he began bombarding you with his thoughts.
“Won’t I be arrowed right through at first glance?”
“I am blocking you from being hit! Do not be worried; you are returning with me, and without a large band of men. You look unassuming” you teased, trying to put him at ease.
The sand colored walls of Minuros loomed into view. You were excited to see your family, and you knew your uncle was a forgiving man, although his level of forgiveness had never been tested to this extent.
“You will like my uncle. I think the two of you will find a lot to converse about” you continued talking.
“I do not worry that I will like him, but the fact that he might not like me, is worrisome” Changsub responded.
“He is an understanding man. He likes talking with interesting people”
“Are you calling me interesting?” Changsub asked, finally smiling.
“You have your moments” you leaned back and kissed his cheek.
Nearing the gate of Minuros, you saw guards along the top scrambling. Some held their bows in view while others ran from one corner to the next, and appeared to be frantic. You walked the horse right to the front of the gate and looked up at the closest guard.
“What brings you here?” he shouted down at you.
“Do not be a fool, and think you don’t know who I am! Get my uncle!” you ordered and watched as the men on the wall disappeared.
“I think I should pass my leadership on to you, making men jump to your orders like that” Changsub said sounding impressed.
In a short while, a face poked over the edge of the wall and gazed down at you.
“Uncle!” you shouted excitedly.
He disappeared over the edge and you waited longer. In a few seconds, the gate in front of you opened and you walked the horse inside. Dismounting when you saw your uncle, you ran to him, followed timidly by Changsub who felt like he was intruding.
“Uncle!” you said once more and pulled him in for a hug. He kissed your forehead lovingly, and embraced you tightly.
“Dearest, I thought you were lost to me forever.” He said and fought the tears welling in his eyes.
“When I heard of the palace being taken over I feared the worst. I had to come here once I learned of your safety” you informed him, pulling away and taking a step backwards.
“And who do I thank for returning you?” your uncle’s gaze switched from you to Changsub, who was still hanging back by his horse. With a nudge from you, he took a step forward. Your uncle’s face was hard to read and he looked stern. You held your breath and waited as Changsub and your uncle stood facing each other, both looking proud and defiant.
“I guess I should be thanking you as well” your uncle finally spoke and embraced Changsub warmly, which took him very much by surprise. You let out a sigh of relief having been worried for a few moments.
“Who knows what fate would’ve befallen my dearest niece if you had not taken her that night before the attack”
“Forgive me for speaking so openly, but I think her mouth might’ve gotten her in trouble” Changsub spoke as your uncle released him, and they both chuckled to each other. You had wanted them to get along, but to at your own expense.
“I feel as though this calls for a feast. It is not every day that a princess gets returned home” a voice sounded from behind your uncle. You looked up and saw a face you hadn’t seen in years.
“Eunkwang?” you spoke in surprise.
“You were hardly taller than me last I saw you!” you said and embraced your old friend.
“I have always been taller than you” he brushed away.
“Where is your father? Is he well?” you asked about the ruler of the surrounding lands and this palace.
“My father passed away a few years ago. Naturally the leadership fell to me”
“I hadn’t heard! What awful news” you continued conversing, giving Eunkwang your sympathy. Changsub stood back and looked from you to Eunkwang curiously.
“We kept it a secret, not wanting the unwanted men in the area to be aware of my father’s passing”
“Naturally” you nodded.
“Eunkwang has been nice enough to allow us to stay here until other arrangements can be made” your uncle informed you.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less of your kindness and hospitality” you flattered Eunkwang who smiled. The group of you began walking up the stone steps of the main section of the palace. You turned, and noticed Changsub hanging back a bit. He seemed uncertain. You paused and waited, walking by his side as Eunkwang and your uncle walked ahead of you.
“Ready to meet my cousins? I can tell my uncle already likes you” you spoke.
“How can you be sure?”
“He didn’t have you arrested, did he?” you tried to make a joke.
“This place is huge.” Changsub added, looking around.
“Two things to remember…” you began, smiling.
“Number one: don’t drink the wine.” You were finally able to get Changsub to smile.
“Joking aside, I must warn you of my aunt. She is nothing like my uncle. If you think Ilhoon isn’t trustworthy, he is nothing in comparison. My cousins are little better; they will say anything to make themselves look better”
“You make it sound like I got lucky that it was you I kidnapped”
“You are.” you smiled and squeezed his hand as you and he reached the top of the staircase.
“There are snakes in all corners of the world, some are just dressed in finer clothes” you whispered this to him right before your cousins ran over and wrapped you in tight hugs. Some of them cried and they all asked your questions at the same time.
Hurriedly, you explained to them a basic overview of what had happened. They periodically glanced at Changsub with simpering eyes, which made you laugh.
Eunkwang walked you and Changsub around the palace and then to your chambers shortly thereafter, where you would be staying with your eldest cousin. Changsub was then shown to his room that was far from where the women would be staying. It was small but had a great balcony.
“Do you think this will be adequate?” you asked Changsub as Eunkwang smiled at his palace and accommodations. Changsub didn’t say anything, but looked out the balcony and nodded.
“Please, make yourself comfortable. While you stay here consider my home, your home” Eunkwang offered. You nodded as he walked over to Changsub and extended an invitation.
“Allow me to show you around more. My men and I like to show off some sport with the weapons of our choice. Perhaps you could show us thing or two?” he offered kindly. Changsub looked him up and down, and you were afraid he would decline, but he nodded.
“Good! We will meet when the sun sinks over the walls, before dinner” Eunkwang added and excused himself.
“I can’t be seen alone with you in a room like this” you walked to the bed and sat down.
“Then you should leave” Changsub said quietly turning from the balcony and walking along the length of the room.
“Would you prefer it, if I left?” you asked, noticing how something was on his mind. He didn’t answer.
“What is it?” you asked him outright.
“This place is…”
“Too big to be comfortable. I feel as though you could walk the length of it and see no other person all day. It feels empty” you spoke truthfully what you were feeling.
“Is this what it is like to live in a palace?” Changsub asked and walked over to sit next to you on the bed.
“Lonely?” you clarified. Changsub rolled his eyes.
“Amazing?” he emphasized. As you shook your head.
“So the rumors are true.” A silky voice spoke from the doorway. You sprang up and removed yourself from Changsub’s bed. You bowed when you saw it was your aunt that was speaking.
Like always, she was being followed by a handful of servants who waited on her every word. She gave out harsh punishments to those that did not obey her quick enough. How your wise uncle could allow this woman to be his wife never made sense to you. She had never liked you, and grew jealous and impatient with the relationship you and your uncle had; you had always been his favorite, even surpassing his own children.
“If the rumors of my return are what you speak of, then yes. I have returned.”
“Wonderful. I was beginning to think you were surely dead by now” she spoke slowly and walked into the room. She circled you once and looked you over. Her narrow eyes were taking in every detail, and you felt like they would burn holes in your back with her intensity.
“Come” she held out her hand for you.
“Let us walk. If there is a feast tonight, we must prepare” she smiled, but it was cold and calculating. You glanced once more at Changsub and exited without another word. He sighed and walked to the bed, laying down while his mind ran away from him.
You walked with your aunt to her room where your cousins were congregating on couches that were scattered around the large room.
“Poor Eunkwang’s mother past several years ago. This used to be her room and I daresay I find it… cozy” your aunt spoke ungratefully as she walked you over to a couch and sat you down.
“Tell me, what it was like living outside the palace walls?” your eldest cousin asked eagerly once you had been seated. Your aunt took a sip of a drink that was offered to her and her eyes darted to you, ears straining to catch every word.
“Better than you think it would be. I had overly substantial housings” you let them be aware that you were not struggling.
“That boy who brought you…” your aunt spoke up.
“Does he have riches?” this was always the first thing she looked for in men, and you were hardly surprised she asked this question.
“He has enough” you spoke, feeling uncomfortable.
“He must if he thinks we would waste our time with him” she took another sip of her drink as she spoke.
“I see the way he looks at you” your cousin continued to gossip as if you and she were younger, and silly girls once more.
“He looks in love” you smiled when she said this as she giggled.
“But he knows, you have been promised to another?” your aunt clarified before handing off her drink to the nearest servant.
“I-I have not”
“Oh dear, you don’t know” she added with fake sympathy. You and your cousin were all ears, when a servant entered the room and bowed.
“The feast will commence at sundown.” He spoke and excused himself. The room then became a hive of activity. Your cousins were buzzing with dress ideas and ways to style their hair. You allowed you’re eldest cousin to take the lead and followed her to her room to change and prepare.
Changsub was in the middle of the courtyard with Eunkwang and few of his closest friends. They were showing off wrestling and their skills with various weapons, hoping to earn respect from the other men in the group. Great skill with a weapon was always an admirable quality.
Eunkwang and Changsub sat side by side on stone steps watching the others take turns at showing off their long sword prowess.
“What is the weapon of choice that you favor?” Eunkwang asked.
“Bow.” Changsub said as Eunkwang nodded.
“Something I am terrible at, of course. Care to make a gentlemen’s wager?” Eunkwang offered with a smile.
“tempting.” Changsub smiled. He was beginning to like Eunkwang, who stood up and walked to where a set of bows were hanging. Changsub followed and picked one that felt similar to his own.
“I wager a jug of finest wine that you cannot hit the center of this shield” Eunkwang walked a fair pace away and placed the shield against a stone column. Changsub sized up the distance and nodded.
Taking aim, he easily hit the target. Eunkwang clapped with the rest of his men.
“Double or nothing! Two jugs of wine?” Eunkwang raised the stacks of his bet as he walked the shield further away. He placed the shield down and was barely out of the way enough when Changsub fired off a shot and hit the shield dead center.
“I would be a fool to not offer you a spot in my army!” Eunkwang walked back over to Changsub and shook his hand.
“Even more of a fool if I considered you my enemy” he added looking back at the shield that still had the arrows protruding from it.
A guard wandered dutifully into the courtyard and addressed the group.
“The feast is ready to begin. I can escort you” he saluted again, and Changsub held in his laughter. This felt very silly.
“Lead the way” Eunkwang waved this guard off and Changsub followed behind him, taking in the rooms and hallways that he passed.
Once in the banquet hall, he scanned the room but didn’t find you.
“The women haven’t arrived yet. You will find they take their time getting ready, and leave us men waiting with baited breath” your uncle wandered over and began talking to Changsub, who found no one else he would be able to speak to.
“I’m sure an adventurous man like you finds this to be boring.” Your uncle gazed around the room and took a sip of wine.
“I haven’t been acquainted with company as opulent as this before, sir” Changsub spoke truthfully.
“I will have you know, I would prefer not to be acquainted with opulent company like this. They think highly of themselves” your uncle spoke to him in a low voice. Changsub and he chuckled quietly.
They passed time for a bit by your uncle telling Changsub of times when he was younger and carefree. He had fought in wars and battles and found himself to rather be enjoying reminiscing of times when he himself wasn’t confined to a palace.
“You young men can be so free. I envy you” he added and looked at his old arthritic hands.
“Freedom, if you remember, can sting like the sharpness of a blade. It walks hand in hand with losing friends and ones you are close to” Changsub spoke from experience.
“Wise words from one so young” you uncle smiled.
“And here, finally are the women!” your uncle added as he looked at the far end of the room.
You and your cousin had linked arms and were following behind your aunt. You had your familiar crown of gold leaves on your head, and your hair fell in a braid. Your white gown perfectly matched your cousins and was of the finest fabric.
Glancing around the room, you saw Changsub and waved. He nodded as he saw you turn to converse with your cousin before heading his way.
“Look at him stare at you” she spoke as you tried to pull away from her.
“He only waits for me to walk over to him to talk. Release me, foolish girl” you joked. She smiled and obliged.
Walking towards Changsub, you avoided people who were filling up the crowded room.
“Enjoying yourself?” you asked Changsub as you greeted your uncle who was still standing close by.
“Enough” Changsub added as you grabbed two wine goblets from a tray that was passing by.
“Has my uncle bored you into a stupor with his war stories?” You asked loudly for your uncle to hear. He walked over and placed a fond arm around Changsub’s shoulder.
“He listened willingly. He must have the patience of a saint dealing with you for so long, a gentile chat with me must’ve been quite the relief” your uncle bantered.
“I learned quickly to tune her out” Changsub said, sending you a cheeky smile.
“I do that with my wife” your uncle whispered to Changsub in a low voice.
“The ramblings of an old man grow tiring as well!” you added, before your uncle excused himself once more.
“It is hard to not like your uncle” Changsub admitted.
“I do love him dearly. Which is why I will miss him when we leave here” you took a small sip of wine, and placed the goblet down. It wasn’t watered down and was very strong.
“Leave?” Changsub asked, and looked at you.
“We have to return to camp in a few days. I can’t let you grow fat and gratified living in a place like this” you joked. Changsub looked around the room and shook his head.
“I can’t ask you to leave all of this. To leave your family… it would be selfish” he added.
“They hardly feel like my family anymore. I will miss my uncle, but I think it is not too much for me to ask that we visit occasionally.” Changsub did not answer you, but shook his head.
As the feast continued, people became carefree. Everyone was smiling and enjoying themselves, and many times people approached you and told you how happy they were of your return. Mostly, this was your father’s friends who were happy to have any excuse for their break in mundane lives.
You soon grew bored with repeating yourself and greeting people. You nodded for Changsub to follow you as you snuck out and made your way to a small court yard.
Sighing, you looked up at the moon.
“The moon seems smaller trapped in a place like this” you spoke as you sat down on a stone step.
“It looks smaller when it is a mere backdrop for such an immense palace” Changsub said and took a seat next to you.
“How can you leave a place like this? There is basic human needs like food and water, yet you speak as though I would let you return with me to camp?” he added.
“There might be food and water, but there isn’t you. I can do without everything else” you rested your head on his shoulder. He smiled, reached up and began rubbing your hair.
“I will grow restless after a few days, mark my words” you added.
“We shouldn’t leave Sungjae for too long either. He might get bright ideas” Changsub joked.
That night as you were getting ready, your cousin was lounging on her bed and relaying her night to you.
“I heard Eunkwang is looking for a wife.” She gossiped.
“And a good fit you would be” you knew this was the reason she had mentioned it.
“He hasn’t approached me once! He hardly looks my way” she sounded annoyed.
“Your beauty intimidates men. Give him time” you tried to calm her nerves.
“We have been living her for weeks already!” she sighed in exasperation.
“He is a man of manners! He probably wanted you to feel welcome and not like a lamb set upon by a hungry wolf” she rolled over and said no more on the matter, allowing you to comb your hair and get ready for bed.
You jumped when you saw a figure land outside of your large window.
“Changsub!” you chided when he snuck in and leaned against the wall. You cousin stood and looked unsure of where to go.
“You aren’t allowed in here!” you said and stood walking over to him. Despite him breaking the rules, you pulled him into a hug.
“I haven’t spent a night without you since we met, and you expect me to start now?” he asked in a low voice, unsure if he wanted your cousin to hear what he was saying.
“Yes I do! You aren’t allowed to be me my bedchamber like this when we aren’t married.” You walked him over to the bed where you cousin still stood, looking uncomfortable.
“Relax, and girl, keep your secrets” you told her.
“If I’m not allowed in your bedchamber until marriage, how do you explain what happened in the tent?” he teased in a low voice, but your cousin still heard what he had said.
“My cousin! This better have come with a proper marriage proposal or, by Aphrodite, you will find yourself in trouble!” your cousin spoke in a worried yet excited voice.
“The both of you must hush!” you stood and walked to the window.
“You must leave!” you told Changsub she walked to the window. He stopped in front of you and looked back at your cousin. You sighed.
“Look away” you told her, feeling embarrassed. She obliged by covering her face, but peered through her fingers when she knew you wouldn’t notice. Changsub tilted your chin and pressed a light kiss to your lips. He didn’t linger even though you wished he would. He exited out the window as you made your way back to the bed.
“And you must keep your mouth shut!” you told your cousin as she fell into a fit of giggles sitting next to you on the bed.
When Changsub was walking back to his room, he cut across the courtyard and was stopped when he heard a voice.
“Evening” your aunt spoke as she loomed out of the shadows. Changsub bowed his head and continued walking, until she caught him up.
“Out for a stroll?” she asked trying to make conversation. Changsub nodded and continued towards his room.
“Or perhaps you were saying your goodbyes? Very touching. I presume you will leave now that the wedding is drawing near” she added.
“A wedding is of no concern of mine” Changsub said, but he hated the way this women was getting under his skin. He didn’t like being alone with her.
“I think it would be, considering Eunkwang picked y/n to be his wife. Her uncle already agreed. Hasn’t she told you?” your aunt’s words made Changsub stop dead. He turned to look at her.
“You lie” he spat before turning and continuing to walk away from this woman.
“I would never. You were doing the right thing, wanting to leave her here”
“You must have ears in the walls to hear things like you do” Changsub said reaching his chamber door and opening it.
“Gaze around you and you will see. A proper match has been presented, and you would be fool to think y/n would not accept. What other option does she have?” your aunt concluded. These words stung Changsub as he heard them. He looked at the ground lost in thought, as your aunt smiled inwardly. She nodded and knew her web had been woven.
“Good evening” your aunt spoke once more and departed, allowing Changsub to close the door behind himself.
He angrily walked over to the bed and sat down. He felt foolish. You would never leave all of this for him now that a true marriage proposal was offered to you. There was nothing for him to offer in comparison. He stood and began pacing until the moon caught his eye. Stopping, he walked onto the balcony a plan formulating in his mind and his heart breaking in his chest.

Notes