Cleopatra

The Host purred and favored Cleopatra with a smile. “Queen of The Nile. Your splendor and guile has earned you the audience’s favor.”

Cleopatra gasped, and got to her feet. “After all I’ve done, I didn’t think anyone would trust me with this!”

The host nodded. “I really like your performance this season, you were wild, and cruel, and then you became something more. And which is more noble, to be born good? Or to be born evil, and struggle against it?”

Cleo teared up. “I had a lot of help. Helen, and Molly, and somehow Olympias, and especially, doubly, truly Stan.”

Stan blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “You’re my best friend, of course I’d help.”

She grinned, and took the fruit into her hand. She never felt such a sense of piece. It’s like every trace of greed was being fulfilled all at once, just by holding it. “No, you’re more to than that to me, you’re my master.”