Ancient Greece

The next morning, you were woken up by loud banging on your bedroom door. You sleepily told the person to enter, which they did.
“Speak, fool, you woke me from a good dream” you sat up and looked at this intruder blearily.
“Your uncle, they say he won’t make it to sun down” this servant warned you. He now had all your attention.
“Thank you,” you told them, and as they left you sprang out of bed to get ready and be at your uncle’s bed side.
You exited your room in a hurry and nearly ran into Changsub who was on his way to your room.
“You have been given the news, I assume?” he asked, falling into a quick pace by your side.
“Don’t tell me he has passed yet?”
“No, I came to get you before he has” Changsub informed you.
“Thank you.” you took hold of his hand as you and he walked to your uncle’s bedchamber.
You saw him looking as awful as ever. His brow was drenched in sweat and his eyes looked out of focus. The rest of the family started to arrive, and your cousins were beside themselves with grief. You ran to his bed side and knelt, holding onto his clammy hand.
“Niece… so glad…” was all he could manage to say. He was far worse off than you had thought.
“Don’t speak, uncle, just take it easy”
The next hour you sat by his bed side and would not leave, even when you aunt arrived, looking far from distraught.
As he was taking his last breaths, your cousins crowded around the head of his bed.
“Husband, dearest” your aunt spoke as your uncle’s eyes began to close. If she was feeling any sadness, she was hiding it well.
“You need to give your ring to your eldest as successor” your aunt hissed. Your uncles eyes opened, and he focused on the people around him. For a moment, he looked like the man who you had known growing up, not the sick, dying one in front of you.
“I know you won’t be content with being confined to these walls, and because of that I tell you, as my dying wish” he took the red ring off that symbolized his kingship. He held it aloft before he continued to speak.
“Bring my kingdom back under my rule” he said and turned to face you. Everyone in took a sharp breath as he handed you the ring.
“That is not your eldest daughter!” your aunt murmured. Her eyes sent daggers at her dying husband.
“We were never meant to live in Minuros and this is where our daughter has chosen… to live… I need someone who will take back my kingdom…” he trailed off and his eyes began closing once ore.
“Uncle, no…I can’t” you began crying as you saw his life ebbing away.
“You can, and you will” he went to reach up for you but his hand fell as his last breath rattled from his chest. His arm fell and he lay still.
“Uncle!” you shouted, as your cousins fell about themselves crying. Your aunt left the room, not out of sadness but out of anger. You stared at the ring that lay in your palm. It felt foreign. Seeing the urgency of the situation, Changsub walked over and took the ring from you.
“My queen” he addressed you softly as he placed the ring on your right middle finger. It was far too loose, but the symbolism was enough. The people around the room bowed to you, recognizing you as your uncle’s successor.
That night, a funeral was being held for your uncle. You were getting ready in your room when your aunt entered without knocking.
“Pardon my intrusion” she said and hardly sounded like she cared that she was barging in.
“I have pardoned a lot of things in regards to you” you said, not feeling like being very polite this evening.
“Careful of your tone. I can still make your life hell”
“And I warn you to be careful. I am queen now” you poked at her, standing defiantly to face her.
“You are hardly queen in my eyes!” she whispered angrily at you.
“You would have appointed another to the position, only to manipulate them. Even though you disagree I am your queen, consider it lucky that I don’t ask you to bow to me” you teased, knowing this would only make her anger boil.
“You insolent child! I ruled as queen for years before…”
“And these many years have been good to you, my aunt” she took a pace towards you, and you remained unmoving. You felt nervous, being alone with her in such an angry state, but Changsub arrived to escort you to the funeral. Just in time.
“Evening” he bowed politely to your aunt, although his eyes were watching her every move. Seeing that there was a witness, she pushed past him out the door. He turned slightly and his dark glare followed her down the hall.
“What could you say to her to make her so angry?” he asked walking into your room and over to where you stood, clutching your heart.
“More things than I should have” you admitted.
“It isn’t wise to antagonize an angry snake. You’ll get bitten.” He told you as he walked you out of the room.
“Being the successor, you have to light the funeral pyre. Are you prepared?”
“One can never be prepared to see their family members on a burning pyre, but here we are. I will manage” you told him as you walked to the crowded area where the funeral was being held. Changsub kissed your forehead before releasing you and finding a spot in the mourning crowd.
After the funeral, you were wandering around the palace mindlessly. Changsub followed behind you, remaining quiet, allowing you to be alone with your thoughts.
“Evening” Eunkwang greeted the two of you as he ran into you walking down a hallway.
“Actually, I was looking for you” you stopped in your tracks and turned as Eunkwang began to walk down the hallway away from you. He stopped and turned with a friendly smile.
“Anything for a new queen” he flattered kindly but you only half smiled at your new title.
“Allow us to walk and talk” Eunkwang offered his arm out to you as an escort which you took gladly.
“Am I not needed anymore?” Changsub joked from behind the two of you.
“Of course not. You were following me more dutifully than any dog I have owned” you teased him. He laughed and fell in step behind you, and listened to what you had to say.
“Eunkwang, have I ever told you that your wife I were raised as close as sisters?” you began.
“She has told me this as well” he agreed and allowed you to continue.
“That makes you as good as a brother to me. Do you agree?”
“Of course, I am honored.” He answered.
“As my brother then, I request a great deal from you” you had walked to the throne room of the palace that had a wide balcony and view of the surrounding lands. You broke away from Eunkwang and walked onto the balcony. He followed, to continue the conversation.
“I will surely agree to anything you ask” he offered.
“Hear what I have to say first. Your father and my uncle were allies before us, and I can assume we will travel down that path as well”
“I would find displeasure at being your enemy” Eunkwang smiled at Changsub, who had chosen a spot nearby for listening.
“A wise choice” Changsub added.
“I cannot rule my new kingdom from here” you turned and walked towards Eunkwang to face him.
“Can I count on you, my ally and old friend, to aid me in taking back my kingdom?” you offered your arm out in a king’s handshake, asking for his alliance in a war on your own kingdom. He looked down at your handshake and at Changsub, before grasping your arm firmly.
“A fine queen you will make, if the speech you have just given me is any indication” he said and smiled. He looked almost proud.
No one was aware, but someone left the palace that night, heading in the direction of your kingdom.
Your aunt stole a horse and rode through the night. Her intentions were not in your favor, as she rode right to the gates of the old palace, never allowing the horse to rest.
The gates opened as she approached. She walked right into the greeting hall where a stoic looking man sat on a thrown.
“I assume with you being here that you don’t bring good news?” he asked, not standing up to greet your aunt.
“My husband has died. He did not name my daughter as successor” she informed him, laying all her cards on the table.
“What brings you here then, instead of continuing to spy for me?” he asked, looking mildly interested.
“I have no more allies where I am. My niece has taken the throne. She would sooner have me banished if I make even the slightest wrong move”
“This doesn’t concern me” the man sitting there spoke.
“It will, when she comes to take her kingdom back from you” at these words this man scoffed.
“She can try” he shook his head and smiled at your aunt.
“Do not underestimate her, Thanasis” Your aunt’s patience was wearing thin.
“You have given me fair enough warning. We will be prepared.” Thanasis stood and offered his throne to your aunt.
“May you always be the rightful queen of this kingdom” he flattered, but she took the throne regardless and smiled a wicked smile.
The next morning, you were walking with Changsub, outlining things that needed to be accomplished in order to take back your kingdom.
“We need Sungjae to bring the men here. Do you think they will be willing to fight for me?” you asked, feeling apprehensive asking something so great of his men.
“Most of them just enjoy a good battle. If there is wealth to be obtained, they will fight” he told you.
“Eunkwang is traveling today to appeal to his father’s old allies as well. It worries me that they won’t think it important to aid me in returning home.” you confided in him your worries. He stopped you from walking further as he grasped both of your shoulders.
“If these are the thoughts that cloud the mind of a queen, I will tell you to step down from the throne myself” he kissed you slowly, draining your mind of all worrisome thoughts.
“I feel as though there is too much that needs to be accomplished if we are to wage a good war”
“We cannot just wage a good war, we must wage a winning war. We are doing all we can at the moment” he told you, walking once more with you, but holding onto your hand.
“You are right” you agreed after a moment and nodded.
“Follow me” he said and steered you in a different direction that you had been heading.
“But we were going…”
“To the library!” he cut across you.
“You cannot live in the library, I would miss you” he said and continued to walk, he hid around corners, checking to make sure no one was watching. You chuckled at him.
“What in Zeus’ name are you doing?” you asked, as he checked around another corner.
“Sneaking you out” he admitted.
“We can just leave?” you told him, beginning to enjoy his game.
“Where is the fun in that?” he asked, pulling you along behind him.
He took you to the stable where he got his horse along with the white one you had taken last time you left. Saddling quickly, you both galloped the horses out of the stable far into the countryside, only stopping by a stream to allow the horses a drink.
“This was much needed” you admitted as you dismounted and sat on the ground, placing you bare feet in the cool stream. Changsub dismounted and came to sit by your side.
“You will make a great queen” he said, kissing your cheek.
“And if not?” you asked what was on your mind.
“I am here to clean up your mistakes” he smiled confidently, making you laugh, which was his goal.
“My only mistake is to still be at your side” you teased.
“Think of where you would be without me” Changsub began kissing down your neck. You shivered.
“I would be Eunkwang’s wife” you thought about it and nodded.
“Would you prefer that?” Changsub stopped kissing you and looked up.
“Hardly” you shook your head and kissed him passionately. He was perfect for taking your mind off of everything. You giggled as he gently laid you down in the grass next to the stream. What was intended to be a short ride into the country side, soon grew into a romantic afternoon.
The next day, Eunkwang had returned and had been given three thousand men from his father’s allies. This put your mind at ease somewhat. The more men the better. You watched as the archers were practicing drills in a large empty area on the south side of the palace.
“Changsub, would you say the men are looking fit to fight?” you asked, wanting his opinion, having lead his own small army of nearly 500 men for a while.
“I believe they’re coming along well, but they could use a demonstration”
“Care to show them a thing or two?” Eunkwang asked.
“Not me- my queen” Changsub smiled and held out his hand ready to escort you into the practice area. You protested but with encouragement from Eunkwang and your cousin who had arrived to watch, you allowed yourself to be walked into the courtyard. Changsub grabbed you a bow and arrow, and helped you set it up.
“I have never seen you hold weapon, dear cousin!” she teased.
“You look as though you could kill a man” Eunkwang added jokingly as you sized up the target with Changsub coaching you.
“She has” Changsub answered as he stepped away. Bolstered by his confidence, you took aim and fired. The arrow landed only slightly left to the center, and you smiled proudly as you turned to applause from the men and a surprised look from your cousin. To her you looked wild, with your fitting clothes you had grown accustomed to wearing all the time, to your hair being down and shunning a gold crown.
“The rumors will soon be true then” Eunkwang continued as you and Changsub walked back to his side and took a seat.
“Rumors?” you asked, taking Changsub’s hand.
“They are calling you a warring queen. Don’t be affronted, I think the title fits you” you looked down in slight embarrassment as Changsub laughed.
Changsub’s men arrived the next day, along with the men that were sent by the allies. You looked out from a high window of the palace over the surrounding area that was packed with tents of men.
“We need to gather more information from the palace before we strike” Changsub informed you as he wandered over to you and stood by your side.
“Are any of your men good spies?” you asked.
“The best” he nodded.
“Send out only the best and quietest men that you have. I don’t want to send these men in blindly to fight” you told him, a look of concern plastered across your face.
“Right away…” he leaned over and kissed your cheek.
“My queen” he added.
Two days later, Changsub’s spies brought back the news that your aunt had taken her place on your throne as queen. You angrily paced the dining hall once you heard this information. Changsub and Eunkwang kept exchanging looks over their food as you would angrily mumble to yourself and continue walking.
“Perhaps you should eat something? It would be unwise to go into battle on an empty stomach” Changsub offered. You sat down but did not touch the food.
“You can’t mean you are going with the men into battle too?” your cousin asked. You broke from your angry trance and looked at her.
“I can’t ask men to fight for me and not even be on the battle field with them”
“It is an honor to fight by the side of my men” Changsub added, letting the room know he too was going to be fighting.
“But you haven’t left a successor yet. You cannot put yourself in danger carelessly like that” Eunkwang spoke what was on his mind. Changsub had been taking a sip of his drink and choked when Eunkwang had mentioned there needing to be a successor. You absentmindedly reached out and patted him on the back roughly.
“We haven’t been married so there is no use for a successor. People would be more apt to gossip if I was bearing a child” you clarified as Changsub stopped sputtering. Eunkwang raised his glass in a toast.
“May the gods bring you both back here safely, and give us such a reason to gossip” you raised your glass in toast as well, as Changsub looked shocked. His eyes darted from you to eunkwang, thinking you both had lost your minds.
The next morning, you marched with your men towards your old home. Your face was stoic and you were silent, growing angrier with each step your horse was taking.
“Calm down, my queen” Changsub said, noticing you were about to strangle anyone who spoke crossly to you.
“Don’t address me in and a way. I am not your queen until I sit upon my throne” you shook your head.
“You have always been my queen” he brushed off your annoyance with him as he reached across his horse and grabbed your hand.
When the walls of your old palace came into view, a halt was called. You wanted to make sure they saw the number of men you showed up with and wanted your aunt to know exactly who it was at her gates.
“We should fight tomorrow morning. From the east” Changsub said as he surveyed the surrounding land.
“Why?” you asked, as the rest of the generals flanked the two of you.
“They are going to use archers to aim at us from the walls. If we wait until sun up tomorrow, the sun will be directly in their eyes.” He motioned towards the east wall which was wide and flat. The generals talked this plan over and you listened patiently for them to weigh in on it.
They soon found no flaw and agreed.
“Good. Now, I want my aunt to see the army she has risen against her” you said as you walked the horse down the sand dune you had been standing.
From a high room in the palace, Thanasis and your aunt were glancing out at the wide army that was camping down for the night just out of reach of archers. Changsub had ordered that more fires than necessary be lit to make it appear you had even more men with you.
“Well, my queen…” Thanasis said mockingly. He had not planned on fighting a war of this scale.
“Don’t just stand there. Get your men ready” your aunt ordered.
“I don’t let my men fought for just anything. You haven’t given me a good reason to fight. I could turn you over to them now…”
“They don’t want me, they want this palace!” your aunt shot back.
“If you wish to be king here then so be it, but your men will fight for me” she offered. Thanasis looked out over the many fires burning and the expanse of men he had seen arriving earlier in the day. His heart felt doubtful.
The next morning, as the sun was cresting the horizon, your men were getting into position. The leaders of the army rode their horses to the middle, between the army’s, to bargain and see if they could intimidate the other into a surrender or compromise.
Your eyes were fixed on your aunt as Changsub and the general of your army rode your horses casually into the center. Your aunt watched from the walls as Thanasis and two of his generals rode out to meet you.
“Beautiful morning for a fight” Thanasis offered by way of a greeting.
“There won’t need to be a fight if you give me my palace back”
“I like your palace. It suits me well”
“Your grave will suit you well if you do not give me back what is rightfully mine”
“You claim it as yours because some old man says it’s yours. I claim it as mine because I took it” Thanasis toyed with you.
“You ally with a traitor, and will watch your men die because of it” you said, looking away from Thanasis at his young men who were lined up, ready to face your army. Thanasis looked forlorn only for a moment. He studied your face as a realization seemed to wash over him.
“Had I known who you were when you were in the dungeons, I would’ve allied with a different queen”
“It is not too late to change allies” Changsub offered.
“It is too late, young king. I am a traitor either way, and shall be put to death. Might as well make it interesting. You of all people would understand” he addressed Changsub, who suddenly saw Thanasis as his equal and nodded.
“If you refuse to surrender, then we are done talking” you concluded, keeping the conversation on track. Thanasis said no more, and began to retreat into the ranks of his men as you did the same.
They parted as you walked your horse through them to a vantage point at the back. Changsub was at your side as the generals began giving inspiring speeches, bolstering the men for battle. You began to feel nervous and fiddled with the reigns of your horse.
“Don’t let them see you wavering now” Changsub whispered.
“I have no reason to be nervous. They’re the ones fighting”
“Fighting for you, and a just cause” Changsub added.
The banging of spear on shield grew as the men grew closer to each other across the battle field. The archers held back and on a general’s signal, fired off the first volley of arrows. This was a sign that the battle was to commence. The men ran to each other and sword clashed with sword. You watched with a held breath, seeing the fight go in your favor then Thanasis’ and back once more.
Changsub’s horse was pawing the ground and pacing. His eyes were trained on the men fighting as well. His restlessness only grew.
“Promise me something” you spoke and looked sideways at him.
“Anything” he nodded as his horse hop skipped forwards.
“Come back to me alive” you looked at him, as he smirked. He kicked his horse in the side as it reared and shot forward. You watched his back disappear among the men, and did your best to not search him out in the crowd. It would make you too nervous.
“Your highness, you sent our future king willingly into battle?” a general questioned behind you.
“A restless king is a foolish king” you nodded, continuing to watch as the archers felled more men successfully.
Your generals played their part well and kept the sun at the backs of their men giving them an advantage. The archers in the palace were hard pressed to get off a good shot and they had nearly stopped using archers completely.
When night fell, a halt was called to the fighting to collect the dead properly.
You walked among your men in camp that night, offering aid and thanks whenever possible.
“My queen, they say I am unable to fight tomorrow” a man sitting on the ground called for you. He appeared to have lost a leg in the fight and was in good spirits about it.
“I believe you have earned a day of rest” you smiled at this solider as you poured him some wine from a jug next to the fireside.
“I will hop into battle tomorrow if I have to” he smiled and took the goblet of wine you offered. Smiling, you turned and continued walking to a large tent that belonged to one of your generals. Entering, you sighed when you saw Changsub already there, hearing the plans they were outlining.
“Our plan worked in our favor today, but will it be successful if we try again a second time?” a general asked.
“They cannot move the sun even if they are expecting us to use it to our advantage once more” Changsub countered. You hung back and listened, until you were called forward.
“Your highness, what are your thoughts?” a general asked you.
“I am only here for support. I would be a fool to think I know more then you” you gestured to the room as a whole. Most of them were seasoned veterans and to think you knew better than them would be unreasonable. They nodded with appreciation.
“Why aren’t we fighting?” your aunt asked from the safety of her high room. Thanasis sighed with suppressed anger as he nursed his own bleeding wounds. They added to the many scars he had already collected over the years.
“We have been given time to collect our dead and give them a proper burial. You would know this if you bothered to show your face anywhere other than this chamber” he answered. Your aunt looked at him in indignation.
“Do not address me in such a way” your aunt spat at him.
“My men are losing morale! They need something to fight for” Thanasis offered your aunt, but she would not hear it.
“Me! They are fighting for me and my throne!” Thanasis sighed and stood up, ready to exit the room.
“That isn’t good enough” he shook his head and left.
That night, you were sitting in your small tent. Changsub entered rubbing his sore shoulders.
“Haven’t fought like that in a long time”
“You did well.” You stood and walked over to bring him some water as he sat down on the edge of the bed that was set up for you. He took a long sip of the water and laid back on the bed.
“Take your armor off! You are getting blood all over the silk!” you said trying to yank him back into a sitting positon. He sat up, but wrapped his arms around your waist.
“This isn’t your blood is it?” you asked, looking him over as you cupped his face.
“Not all of it” he smirked and began taking his armor off slowly.
“Are the men taken care of out there?” you asked, wanting to make sure they received water and food.
“They have everything they need to ease their minds and bodies tonight”
“You think it wise to get them drunk?” you asked, helping to remove the arm guards from Changsub.
“They could be dining with Hades tomorrow night. Let them drink wine.” He winced as you took off his last bit of armor.
“Do you need wine?” you asked, hanging his armor on the back of a chair, waiting for him to respond.
“I need my woman more than I need wine” he laid back on the bed and made himself comfortable as he waited for you to wander back over and take your spot next to him.
The next morning, the battle started like it had the day before. Thanasis was losing scores of men and soon there was a break in his ranks. Half of his men were cut off from the other, and this allowed them to be easy pickings.
Changsub was lost once more in the battle. He fought his way to the center, where he had seen Thanasis taking down a fair number of men. Blood covered nearly all of him as he struck down the last man who stood between him and Thanasis. They stopped fighting and looked at each other. Changsub couldn’t help but notice the light had gone from his eyes, and knew this battle was won before it had started.
“You look as though you have seen enough” Changsub said, throwing his shield to the side and shifting the grip on his sword. Thanasis did the same before responding.
“You fight for your queen to the death, and I fight for mine” Thanasis explained.
“That is your mistake” Changsub pointed his sword at Thanasis and made himself ready for him to make the first move. Thanasis regretfully looked away up at the walls of the palace behind himself.
“Indeed it is” Thanasis laughed and crouched low, as him and Changsub circled each other, waiting for an opening.
Your eyes gazed over the battle, watching anxiously as it seemed to be going in your favor.
“Your highness!” a shout reached your ears. You turned and saw a general running towards you on his horse.
“Speak!” you shouted back before he reached you. He waved you over and you followed his command.
“There is an opening! We are going to get you into the palace!” he yelled as you kicked your horse in the direction of this man. You met him and a few foot soldiers and cavalry who were covering you as you made your way to the gates. They were being held open by your men as you were covered by archers who took out the last of the guard force on the walls.
Your aunt paced in her room as she heard the fighting. She had no idea that you had breached the walls and were inside the palace. She exited her room and headed in the direction of the throne room.
Upon entering, she gasped when she saw you sitting there casually, crown of gold leaves on your head and men surrounding you for protection. They had their spears pointed to her.
“Good afternoon, my dearest aunt” you said in a slow voice. She clutched her chest and pointed at you.
“How dare you! You cannot take this throne from me!” she said defiantly even though you already had.
“Look where I am sitting! Knowing you are a proud woman, I refrain from asking you to bow to me, but I could. How dare you sit where my uncle sat!” you raised your voice so she could hear you.
“You would have to take my head before I bow to you!” she spat back.
“That can be arranged.” You retorted as you waved your men out as you stood. They looked apprehensive but they followed your orders.
“Better be careful in these walls, or you will go the way of your uncle” your aunt said as she began to search for an exit but found none.
“Your servants have all been slain. Anyone who had followed you during their time here has been killed. Your men are getting slaughtered as we speak”
“Your husband is one of them” she tried to claw under your skin.
“And he will be remembered more honorably than your Thanasis”
“I don’t need my men here to fight for me! I ended your uncle and I can end you myself!” she lunged at you, pulling a dagger from inside her billowing robes. You dodged out of the way, and grabbed the blade to keep it from plunging into your side. You grabbed the hilt of the dagger with your other hand bringing you and your aunt face to face.
“You killed my uncle? You are a traitor and you deserve to die” you yanked on the blade in her hand as you pushed her away. It cut through your palm and spread blood on the floor of the throne room. Her back was to the balcony that looked out over the kingdom.
“I will not be put out death by you” she said.
“Guards!” you called, ready to have them take your aunt as a prisoner and have her executed. As they entered, you aunt backed away from them slowly, out the doorway of the balcony. Seeing what she was likely to do, you called your men to stand back.
“You have taken this kingdom from me, but I will not give you the satisfaction of taking my life” she said as she turned and ran to the ledge of the balcony. You watched as she dove off of it and plummeted to the earth. You looked away as your men exited the room, leaving you to collapse in your throne. You held your palm out as one of your men looked it over and another one left to fetch the court physician.
“Leave me, I am fine” you told the guard as you walked to the balcony. You looked out as the sun grew high and watched the remainder of the battle, which was not much. You gazed down and saw two figures locked in a battle. You watched, noting how they looked like Changsub and Thanasis.
Changsub had gained the upper hand. Both he and Thanasis had wounded each other in a dozen places, but still they fought on. Thanasis was losing steam, and had resorted to just defending himself.
“What are the chances of your queen sparing me if I surrender now?” Thanasis asked.
“If I know my queen…” Changsub began as their swords clanged once more.
“She won’t show you any mercy” he added, pushing Thanasis away, watching as the older man stumbled. Thanasis nodded and took a deep breath as they lunged at each other once more.
“All the better for me” Thanasis added as he and Changsub broke apart, to catch their breath.
“I thought you were a man of honor, and here you are talking to me about surrender?” Changsub asked as he raised his sword once more only to be met with a block by Thanasis.
“Old age doesn’t suit men like us” Thanasis retorted.
Changsub’s sword went crashing into the hilt of Thanasis’ and it broke off the hand guard. The shock of metal on metal shot through Thanasis’ hands causing him to drop the weapon. Changsub gave him a bash across the head, bringing him to his knees.
Breathing heavy, Changsub looked to the palace. He saw your standing at a tall balcony, your white dress a stark contrast against the sand color of the walls. He smirked up at you before he turned once more to Thanasis.
“Only if you find nothing to live for” Changsub said, sending Thanasis a smile which was returned.
“Tell people I fought honorably” Thanasis asked of Changsub as he continued out kneel and closed his eyes.
“Of course” Changsub raised his sword and plunged it into Thanasis’ chest hard. With one croak of death, Thanasis fell forward.
This was the last that Thanasis’ men needed to give up. There was nothing left to be fighting for.
You met the remaining men of yours as they passed through the gates. You hadn’t bothered to have your palm checked out by the court physician, Galen, as you had sent him to take care of the men.
Changsub was the last to enter. He looked tired and covered in blood you nearly fainted at the sight of him.
“Pray, that isn’t all your blood is it?” you asked him a second time.
“Not all of it” he smirked and reached for your hand.
“Let us get you looked at” you walked him inside as the gates closed behind him.
“What of you! Your palm is bleeding” he said pulling you closer to him.
“And you have nearly a score other places that are bleeding. The physicians will see to you first!” you argued.
You made sure to get Changsub settled in a cot as his wounds were being looked at. You wandered around with purpose making sure your men had water and food when needed. For those that were grievously injured, you made sure they had the best wine available.
“For the sake of the gods, woman!” you heard Changsub shout as you passed the spot where he rested once more.
“Sit down!” he said and reached out for you, pulling you down next to him on the stairs of the palace. He had been tended to but hung around in case he was needed to help give aid and support to one of his men.
“These men have given their lives and limbs for me! The least I can do is make sure they are comfortable” you argued.
“You have given them enough wine to keep them comfortable for the next week. Calm yourself” Changsub said as he looked over your palm once more.
“How did this happen? Did you get cut by parchment paper while looking over a map?” he teased.
“My aunt actually”
“Where is the devil woman?” he asked.
“With Hades, like most of her men.”
“May they give her a warm welcome” Changsub shook his head as you relayed to him how your aunt had greeted the sight of you on her throne.
Seeing your men settled, you stood and wandered up the steps to the throne room. Changsub followed, noticing you seemed deep in thought once more. He watched as you walked over to the extravagant gold throne that had once belonged to your uncle and ran your hand along the armrest.
“That throne is more suited for you” Changsub spoke as he walked over.
“It is better than that rickety old wooden chair you would have me sit in” you jested.
“I was thinking of having that one brought here for you”
“Take a seat” you told him, wanting him to feel what it was like sitting in a real throne in a real palace. He fought hard and had earned it.
“How does it feel, my king?” you asked, letting his address sink in.
“It is stiff” he fidgeted in his seat, making you laugh.
“You will grow used to it in time” you sighed as you walked to the very balcony that your aunt had thrown herself from. You gazed out at the surrounding lands that now belonged to you. Changsub removed himself from the throne and walked over to you.
“you can be queen tomorrow” he turned your troubled mind away from the kingdom you now had to run by turning you away from the window to face him.
“Tonight, let us just be man and wife” he pulled you in for a slow kiss which you gladly and hungrily returned. One last glance over your kingdom, and you allowed Changsub to lead you to the bedchamber. Being in your own palace, he no longer had to sneak in.

Notes