Yes, but you also bluff.

“So be it, I will answer your questions.” Your words are bold and matter of fact, “For we Romans have nothing to fear and perhaps the truth will convince you to be reasonable.”

“I'm Captain Gaius Severinus Vikare of the equestrian order.” You gamble by answering the Queen's questions directly, while mixing in half truths and playing on Marpesia's apparent fear of the Vestal Virgins.

“Our colony is but a few hundred behind strong walls, but we have over six score soldiers of the Republic to defend her, most of which are heavy hoplites and light rorarii. The equites celeres and their horses will be arriving soon with the next wave of settlers and soldiers.” The Queen winches at your answer. The number of the colony is close to the truth, while the size of the garrison you have greatly exaggerated and the story of more coming is an out right lie. The wealthy Patrician who is sponsoring your endeavor will be sending no more aid.

What comes next is the crux of your gambit. “The settlement was commanded by the Virgo Vestalis Maxima herself after a vision she received by the gods.” You lie with the straightest look you can give.

The Queen's face goes pale white as she is frozen in thought by your words. After several minutes she finally responds. “Priestess,” Marpesia orders, “release this Roman, give him back his effects and bring him to my throne room in two hours, I must make offering and seek the wisdom of Athena.”

“But your majesty, we should have this Roman first . . .” The hooded woman objects in a strange foreign accent.

“Silence!” The Queen cuts off the priestess in mid sentence. “You have your orders Bizia.” Marpesia curtly commands and then leaves the room.

The priestess Bizia watches the Queen leave and then moves towards you. She drops her hood revealing an attractive pale face with a displeased frown on it. Her hair is raven black, her eyes a haunting gold color with dark violet makeup outlining them and her lips.

“You lie Roman!” She stands over you with a threatening voice. “You never swore by your gods or your city. Nor did you mention any god by which the Vestalis Maxima supposedly had this vision. Perhaps you were afraid of being cursed for hubris if you so misspoke about any particular deity?” You try to keep a straight face while in your mind you curse the fact that this priestess has so correctly guessed your ploy.

“I have seen your camp and colony and I know you have greatly exaggerated the numbers. If I tell the Queen she will have you burned to **** for blasphemy.” At this the priestess Bizia stops her accusations and reflects for moment.

“But I have my orders.” Her voice is now calm and strangely reflective. She reaches down and pulls a lever on the size of the table.

The heavy leather straps open and retract freeing you from your bondage. Sliding off the table you stand, rubbing your wrists, and looking with concern and surprise at the priestess who as released you.

“What now Captain Vikare?” Bizia moves next to you. “Are you going to overpower me.” She reaches out and gently places her left hand on your bare chest. “Bind me to my own **** device and make your escape.” The priestess's hand begins to caress your muscular torso. “Or will you take me back to your people against my will as a trophy to be tortured for information, used for your pleasure and then sold as a ****.” Her voice becomes somewhat excited. “Or,” She looks at you with bewitching bedroom eyes, “will you join forces with me?”

“What do you mean, woman?” You do not trust this priestess, and she must be silenced in some way, either by her will or against it, if you are to make your escape.

“You're wise to play on the Marpesia's fears.” The raven hair temptress runs her finger across your chest. “Both the Queen and myself have foreseen that the coming of Rome brings danger to our people. But where her majesty fears your city and hates all men, I have a more accepting attitude. I could give you knowledge and tell you ways on how to so manipulate the Queen that she would be **** to fight you in single combat.”

“Why would I want that?” You demand, trying to ignore the priestess's touch which is beginning to arouse you.

“If you defeat Marpesia in a Dual of Themis then you get the honor of naming the next queen.” The priestess effortless slips out of her robe, letting it fall to the floor, revealing a white stola. Through its thin material you can clearly make out Bizia's pleasing curves and the fact she wears but a loin cloth underneath. She presses her body against yours, you feel her erect nipples as her breasts flatten against chest as she has to reach up on her outstretched toes to whisper into your ear. “You do know how to conquer a woman, don't you Captain Vikare?”

“Oh, I see.” You warily and knowingly respond, ignoring her last question as but a mere play on your ego, though you can not help feel your manhood beginning to go ridged, nor do you push her away. “And you would be queen?” You ask looking down at the beautiful woman draped against you.

“Yes, and thus the Amazons would submit to Rome.” Her hand glides down your body and over your loin cloth covered stiffening shaft. “We have two hours Captain.” Her voice almost begging, “Let us plan together,” she steps back, leaving your side, and begins to slip off her stola, “but first let me prove my submission.”