Ancient Greece

Arriving at camp after two days of relaxed riding, you smiled when you saw the familiar tent set up along the sand dunes. Dismounting, you entered it and headed straight for Changsub’s chair.
Changsub entered and smiled when he saw you back in your self-appointed spot in his chair.
“Where is Sungjae” you asked, thinking he would be the first person you would see.
“He isn’t with us” Changsub said, looking crestfallen.
“What do you mean?” you asked, feeling worried.
“He is visiting his wife. All my men are home for a while, those that wanted.” He told you.
“We will have to wait for him to return before we leave” you spoke up, playing with the arm rest of the chair fondly.
“Leave to where?” Changsub asked walking over and taking a seat next to you.
“Back to my family. We have my wedding we must be there for” you explained. Changsub’s face hardened and became difficult to read.
“If you’ll have me” you added.
“Are you sure? You could marry Eunkwang and live in a palace and…”
“He has promised to marry my sister” you told him.
“They are a much better fit. She is suited for sitting around in a palace all day, while I am…” you added.
“Difficult, if left to boredom?” Changsub finished for you.
“I will marry you, if you promise t not ever leave me” you reached out and took Changsub’s hands.
“I cannot provide a life for you like you have grown up knowing” he said in a serious tone.
“I had the opportunity to marry into the life I grew up knowing and I turned it down. For you. Don’t disappoint me. Besides, we have to head to town first so I can apologize to Nura” you told Changsub as you stood and made your way to his bed.
“You might want to wait a while. She doesn’t take a knife to her throat so kindly.” Changsub said and followed you to the bed.
“We will wait two days then” you smiled as Changsub crawled into bed and lay over top of you.
“Only two days?” he asked kissing down your jaw line.
“Maybe three” you moaned.
“Three?” Changsub asked as he nibbled your collar bone.
“We will leave now if you keep arguing with me!” you joked.
“Four days!” Changsub said as he laid down and pulled you on top of himself.
There was no compromising. You had plans to leave four days later.
You woke up on the fourth day and sat up in bed when you heard someone enter the tent and stumble. Looking up, you saw Sungjae looking happy but embarrassed at the same time that you were back and in Changsub’s bed.
“Stop staring at my wife, or I will gouge your eyes out” Changsub said to Sungjae lazily as he too sat up.
“Sorry, I am just happy and surprised that she is back. I would hug you, but I will wait” he blushed and, still smiling, he turned and left.
“He looks happy” you said as you stared at the front of the tent where he had exited.
“Time with familiar women makes men happy” Changsub said as he lay back down.
“No way! You aren’t falling asleep on me” you said, straddling Changsub and looking down at him.
“We have to pack.”
“I refuse” he ran his hands up your bare thighs as you continued to speak.
“You have been a man of your word the whole time I have known you! Do not let me down now!” you said and stood up, exiting the bed and wrapping the blanket around yourself. Changsub rolled over and hugged a pillow to himself out of frustration.
Walking up to Eunkwang’s place a day later, you paused just out of arrow range of the front gates. Changsub was on his black horse as you rode the white one, ready to return it to Eunkwang.
“Why did we stop?” Changsub asked.
“It feels weird, not sneaking into a palace. We are welcome here and yet I feel as though we still need to have an escape plan” you got the horse walking towards the gates once more.
“Now you are talking like my wife.” Changsub said shaking his head.
The guards recognized you a second time and opened the gates. You dismounted he horses and handed them off, when you saw your uncle at the top of a set of stairs.
You walked to him, followed by Changsub ready to greet your uncle like he had the first time. Your uncle hugged you and kissed your forehead, but gave an angry look to Changsub who looked down at his feet. He felt deserving of your uncle’s forgiveness once, but a second time was a stretch.
“I have watched you steal my niece from under my nose, and this I have forgiven. But I cannot forgive you for stealing her heart from under her nose, only to leave her with nothing” he spoke slowly. Changsub continued to look at his feet and nodded remorsefully.
“I will not judge a man a coward for leaving; I will judge a man a coward when they don’t return” he opened his arms and embraced Changsub openly, now that he had spoken his piece.
“Cousin!” you heard a shout from behind your uncle and saw your cousin walk towards you ready to embrace you in a hug.
“I have worried about you” she said, and looked from you to Changsub.
“No need to worry about this one” he said and kissed your forehead.
“She can handle herself” he added, looking at you fondly.
That night, you smiled as Changsub snuck into your bedchamber. Your cousin smiled and stood up off of the bed where she had been lounging.
“Don’t wait for me, I have my own bedchamber to sneak into” she smiled and excused herself.
“You know what marrying me means?” you asked as the door closed behind her.
“That I will be annoyed by you for the rest of my life?” he asked as he laid on the bed and allowed you to rest your head on his chest.
“That is a bonus. Stupid-no! It means you will be royalty too” you spoke what you were just now realizing.
“I hadn’t thought of that”
“And I know the perfect palace that we can call home”
“Does it require stealth and conflict to obtain?” Changsub asked.
“Of course it does”
“Sounds perfect” Changsub sighed, and you could practically hear him smiling.





“From watching them we have learned that their man power is not prepared to fight from walls, only hand to hand.” Sungjae outlined the information he had gathered from his few days of watching your old palace.
“Then we will need archers with us. Attack them from as far away as possible” Changsub leaned back in his chair and listened.
“Do we have enough trained archers?” you asked, from the chair on Changsub’s right.
“Not at the moment. We can send out Sungjae and a few men to the surrounding towns to find any man who is willing to join us” Changsub said, nodding to Sungjae. He took this as his cue to leave.
“We can’t be foolish about how we act on this. There are some seasoned warriors behind those walls” you began voicing your fears as Changsub stood up and grabbed a jug of wine. He smiled behind your back as you sat in the chair and pulled a map closer to you to look over. He watched as your eyes focused on the map in front of you intensely.
“There are a few small towns in the area we could get men from, but I think we need to make finding allies a priority.” You began outlining and looking over which towns you could sway in your favor to get your uncle’s palace back. Seeing you planning like this, Changsub couldn’t help but want to get you right into bed. He wandered over as you continued talking, completely unaware of his intentions.
“My uncle is still allied with these two kingdoms to the west.” You marked them on the map, when you felt hands resting on your shoulders, gently. You smiled and tried to ignore Changsub.
“I’m sure if we send a messenger, saying he comes on my uncle’s orders we can…” you stopped as his lips traveled along the back of your shoulder.
“You are distracting me from planning” you said turning in your chair to face the person distracting you.
“Your planning is distracting me from getting you in bed” he said, tilting your chin up so he could kiss you, softly at first.
“Is that really what is important right now?” you asked, playfully pushing him away.
“There is never anything more important” he responded, he tugged on your arm and headed to the bed. You caved in and followed him. Planning can wait.
The next morning, you were double checking the provisions for the bands of men that were heading out. Their goal was to recruit as many mean as they could, being as discreet as possible. You didn’t want to attract attention that you were gathering an army. This would get everyone’s hair raised with suspicion.
“That should be enough water to last. Make stops along the way if you need to” you told Sungjae as he mounted his horse along with a few others. Another group of men headed in the opposite direction than Sungjae and his group. You turned and saw Changsub watching you from the entrance of his tent.
“Men have been sent out.” You informed him as you walked over and saluted. He smiled, and held the flap of the tent open for you so you could enter and get out of the heat.
That afternoon while you were eating lunch, a man from camp entered and saluted to Changsub. You ate slowly and watched, waiting to hear what this man had to say.
“There is a messenger here sent from Minuros. He says it is urgent”
“Send him in” Changsub said and waved his man away.
“The message isn’t for you, sir. It’s for you” he said and turned towards you.
“Well, send him in” you said and couldn’t help but feel worried.
Shortly, the messenger entered the tent. He didn’t even bother saluting, but dove right into what he had to tell you.
“Your highness,” he began and you looked down in embarrassment briefly. You hadn’t been addressed like that in so long.
“I bring news of your uncle. He does not do well. They say it is typhus”
“Typhus?” you clarified, your anxiety only growing.
“He calls for his family to be around him at this time and requested your presence. I was sent out immediately to find you”
“Yes, of course. Rest and drink, then return. I will arrive tomorrow” you told him as you stood. The messenger exited and you looked to Changsub. Your hands had begun shaking as you spoke.
“I promise I will be back soon” you said as you walked over, kissing him on the forehead.
“I am coming with you”
“You must be here for when the men return” you old him.
“I will send a messenger to Sungjae and tell him to return. He will understand and will gladly take over for me temporarily”
“New recruits can’t return to a camp with no leader.” You said as you began packing a small bag.
“And I cannot let you travel alone all the way to Minuros. Especially, stubborn as you are, if you plan on leaving this very moment”
“Of course.”
“It is settled then” he walked over to where you stood, hands shaking and unable to really concentrate on packing a bag. He pulled you close as you fought back tears. There was no use in crying until you saw your uncle’s condition for yourself.
A few hours well before dawn, Changsub’s horse was packed up and heading away from camp. You took the lead and ordered his horse to travel as fast as possible through the dark. You stopped briefly in the early morning to allow the horse a break and to double check maps to keep your mind occupied. Changsub didn’t know what to say to comfort you.
“We should be there by late noon at this rate” you informed him. He nodded.
“I hate for my uncle to be sick in a palace that isn’t his” you shook your head.
“We are doing what we can in order to get his palace back” Changsub said as he took a seat on the ground next to you.
“And I thank you. It is my own selfish wish that will put your men in danger.”
“My men willingly fight for me, and I willingly fight for you” he said as he kissed your hand and stood. He held his hand out which you took, as he gladly helped you to stand.
Arriving just as the sun was past the center of the sky, you rode right up to the gates of Minuros. They opened as they saw you getting close and you practically jumped off the horse while he was still running.
Eunkwang met you at the bottom of the stairs to his palace. You embraced him and asked to see your uncle.
“He is in my old father’s chambers. He does not do well” he spoke to you honestly as you ran up the stairs followed by Changsub and Eunkwang.
You walked to the late king’s cambers and halted at the door. Your uncle was lying in bed, and you had never seen him look so frail. Servants were fanning him as his brow was sweaty and his eyes blood shot.
“Uncle” you said and ran to his side. Seeing him like this was awful and you, hoping to be put at ease by seeing him, only felt worse. Changsub followed you into the room and hung back.
“My favorite niece. I am glad you are here. Don’t cry, child, I am not dead yet” he said reaching a weak hand out pat your head as you cried by the side of his bed.
“Are the physicians seeing to you regularly?” you asked, wanting to make sure your uncle was getting the best care.
“The family physician checks in hourly. We have sent a request to the surrounding kingdoms to ask for more physicians who have knowledge and experience with typhus” Eunkwang spoke up.
“Of course. I don’t doubt my uncle is getting adequate care and attention here. Thank you, Eunkwang” you said grasping your uncle’s thin hand and kissing it right above the red stone ring he wore to show he was a king.
“I would like to rest, now that I know you are here.” Your uncle said as he fidgeted slowly and uncomfortably in his bed.
“Yes, uncle” you stood and walked to the doorway.
“Changsub, thank you for bringing my niece home to me once more” your uncle spoke as Changsub turned to follow you out of the room.
“Of course” Changsub bowed before he exited.
“Your cousin would wish to see you” Eunkwang said as he followed you out of the room.
“Where might I find her?” you asked.
“The library, if you are surprised to hear it”
“The library? My cousin?” you asked, taken aback. Eunkwang nodded and smiled.
“By the gods, I never thought I would see the day” you shook your head and smiled, for the first time that day.
“I daresay I will bid you good night.” Changsub said and kissed your forehead.
“It isn’t nearly nightfall?” you asked him what he meant.
“Knowing you, if you are off to the library, I will be lucky to see you in a few days” he smiled as you rolled your eyes playfully. You excused yourself from them and walked in the direction of the library to find your cousin.
“I will have you know I have been practicing my skills with a bow and arrow. Care to make a friendly wager once more?” Eunkwang asked as he and Changsub walked in the direction of the courtyard where they kept the recreational weapons.
“I can’t think of a better way to pass time.” Changsub answered, watching you recede down a long hallway.
“Cousin?” you sked as you entered the library but didn’t see her.
“Of all places for me to find you, why here?” you asked as you saw her round the corner of a bookshelf.
“I heard word of you coming, but I hadn’t been made aware that you arrived!” she said and walked over to where you stood by the entrance to the library. She looked wonderful and happy; her face was glowing being the wife of Eunkwang.
“You look fit to be a queen” you kissed her on the cheek in greeting, happy for her.
“You look fit to be thrown out of my kingdom dressed like this!” she held you in front of her as she looked at your fitted clothes and hair that fell about your shoulders. Respectable women didn’t show their body shapes and their hair was always pulled back except for bedtime.
“These clothes are better for traveling. You would agree with me if you tried them” you teased. She blushed, and you knew she would never been seen being so carefree.
“Sit with me, cousin.” She walked to a couch and looked suddenly serious.
“What in the world could trouble a queen like you?” you asked, but followed her to a couch and sat across from her, ready to hear her woes.
“I know you won’t like what I will tell you, but there has to be a conversation about it”
“Of course, go on” you nodded.
“If uncle passes, gods forbid, I regret that I will be the one to take his thrown”
“Being his eldest, I would think there would be no one else for the position” you agreed.
“I am ill-equipped to run a kingdom” she confided in you.
“Your husband is not. He has run Minuros for his father and now runs it on his own. Think of how great it would be to unite two kingdoms.” You told her, trying to be supportive and taking a hold of her hand in comfort.
“This is why your mother wanted me to marry Eunkwang. She doesn’t want an alliance with Minuros. She was hoping to conquer it and rid her of me at the same time” you added, as this thought came to the forefront of your mind.
“By Zeus, you have learned my mother better than anyone” your cousin confirmed.
“She believes we can take over Minuros” your cousin dropped her voice as the plans of your aunt were unwoven.
“She wanted me to rule here and then take over my kingdom, once you had taken the thrown after your father” you shook your head as you and your cousin continued conversing.
“She is mistaken. You will take the thrown, heavens forbid uncle passes, and then both kingdoms will fall under your rule” you added.
“I live in fear of my mother” she shook her head.
“Do not. There is no snake worse than a mother who can kill her own child. I don’t even think your mother is capable of such cruelties” you shook your head. Deep down you weren’t sure if you believed what you were saying.
“Let us hope she loves me more than she loves being powerful” you cousin shook her head, as the two of you fell silent, each with your own thoughts.
Changsub and Eunkwang made friendly wagers in the weapons courtyard until the sun began to set and food was brought for them. They dined with a few of Eunkwang’s men on the steps leading from the courtyard to the palace.
“Have you thought, Changsub, of roaming no more?” Eunkwang asked.
“Never” he admitted smiling.
“What if I were to make you an offer you couldn’t refuse?” Eunkwang added.
“I would have to say you are a foolish man to think you can tempt me” Changsub bantered.
“Foolish perhaps, but I would be more a fool if I didn’t try” Eunkwang said, making Changsub become intrigued with his words.
“Naturally, if y/n’s uncle passes away, the thrown would fall to her cousin. May the gods prevent such a thing, but we must be prepared”
“You prepare yourself by whispering behind a weak man’s back?” Changsub chided. Eunkwang brushed this off.
“I admire my cousin’s intelligence. She would’ve been a great queen by my side, but Aphrodite saw that another would steal my heart.”
“Allow me to thank Aphrodite for this” Changsub said taking a sip of wine and pouring some on the ground.
“I will not drag this out anymore! I will be stretched thin ruling two kingdoms, and I daresay, making you a satrap to aid me with my cousin at your side would be a smart move” Eunkwang outlined what he had been thinking. Changsub chuckled and shook his head.
“There are men far better equipped to this lifestyle than myself” he tried to politely decline the offer.
“You have military experience and with my cousin’s intelligence, we would make unbreakable allies” Eunkwang wasn’t going to accept Changsub’s declination easily.
“Think about it” he concluded when Changsub said no more.
That night, as expected, Changsub snuck into your room. You weren’t technically married yet, although people were beginning to look other way, and seeing him in a bedroom with you would be quite an unacceptable scandal.
“Eunkwang is proving to be an interesting man” Changsub said as he lay on your bed. You were brushing your hair sitting on the end of the bed. He watched you with relaxed eyes as you prepared for bed.
“I cannot disagree with you on this” you agreed.
“I don’t think he is sane to rule” Changsub continued.
“Why do you accuse him of such a thing?” you asked, turning slightly to face Changsub.
“He said I would make a good satrap. He said you are intelligent, and I am knowledgeable about war. Has he no other men to turn to?” Changsub said, sitting up and pulling you onto the bed next to him.
“He might have more knowledgeable and well suited men, but he has fewer that are trustworthy.”
“He speaks true to your intelligence” Changsub complimented.
“But not to yours! Leave my room before we are caught” you pulled away from him, only to have him pursue you, pinning you to the bottom of the bed.
“I could be satrap here! You cannot order me around” he joked.
“May the gods spare this kingdom if you become satrap!”
“The gods will need to spare no one, with you by my side.”
“You flatter a satrap’s wife” you teased.
After Changsub had left, you gave his offered appointment some thought. It didn’t seem to fit. Changsub had roamed all his life, and to think you and he would be content waiting around to be allies with Eunkwang didn’t seem to fit either. Any war Eunkwang fought in, you would have to fight in as well. You liked to think Eunkwang would only fight for honorable and just causes, but men can have flaws.
“This will not do” you spoke out loud to yourself, ready to tell Changsub that you think he should decline the offer.

Notes