13.1 Tension

It takes only a few inquiries to learn your foreign visitor's true identity, Teos, his land's current ruler. This information came as rather a surprise given you would have expected him to send someone in his stead. Regardless, it hardly changes the circumstances as you find yourself in the same quandary. How to convince these distant allies to continue lending their support. Though the leader has yet to ask for such assistance you can only assume his visit is in order to renegotiate the terms of his aid. Whether you will be amenable to his negotiation is yet to be seen. However, you're certain it's imperative to retain their alliance, as without their army's large numbers you greatly risk your lands being overtaken. With this knowledge you make your best attempt at playing gracious host and hold a large feast that very evening. While you intend to keep your wits about you, you cannot help downing a few glasses of wine to help steady your nerves.

With each drink your eyes continue to involuntarily flit towards your unreadable guest. Absentmindedly picking at your plate, your brows knit together as you try in vain to gauge what he might be thinking. His face remains expressionless as he takes a drink from his goblet. The majority of his food left untouched as well, a note that does not escape you. Mentally chastising yourself for not being prepared for your guests dietary preferences, you begin feeling as though the night is a failure. This is only further progressed by the leaders distinct lack of interest during the scheduled entertainment. The wrestling, music, and theater only seem to further his boredom if not annoyance. With all seeming to be a disaster, you make no move to stop your servants from refilling your drink. As you sip your eyes cannot help drifting back towards the seemingly disinterested man and you are startled to find his gaze staring back at you sharply. Gulping quickly, you look away as a blush spreads over your cheeks.

The searing look in his eyes leaves you feeling confused and uncomfortable. Though you had intended to stay until the end of the festivities, you suddenly want to be anywhere but here. Abruptly you stand to your feet, a few of those close by taking notice. Waving your hand placidly you inform them you will return shortly before hastily leaving their presence. In turn you swiftly wave away those servants and escorts that would mean to follow. Tiberius being the hardest to excuse, agreeing only to stay but a certain distance away. Wearily you nod in affirmation before leaning against the wall of the hallway. The noise of the celebration still carrying over to your ears, though the sound of the crowd is joyous and cheerful you cannot share their sentiment. You have grown to dislike the bitter taste of failure and disappointment. Both of which currently mar your pallet and are only slightly diluted by the equally bitter taste of wine. Intending to finish the last of your goblet you only stop short at the sound of footsteps approaching.

"Leave me be, Tiberius." You groan in frustration, oddly missing the times where you went unnoticed and unbothered before becoming ruler.

"Subordinates who do not listen are the sign of a poor leader."

You quickly straighten up at the sound of the voice that responds. You need not to turn to tell who its source is, though you do regardless. Slowly lowering the cup, you regard Teos with a wary approach.

"I suppose I should not be surprised to see you leaving." You state bluntly and unsure of what else to say.

One of the corners of the man's mouth pulls upwards, giving it the resemblance of a smile with none of the warmth. His bronze colored eyes view you coldly as he comes to a stop a few feet away. You're **** to tilt your head upwards to view his downcast gaze.

"Forgive me for not viewing your wasteful extravagance as a means of attraction." He replies impassively as the noise from the crowd seems to fade away.

"Wasteful?" You cannot help scoffing, casting the man a disdainful look. "Perhaps to you but not to those who get paid tonight when work has been so scarce. Such things are often seen as careless to those who do not view their subjects as worthy of livelihood. For if I do not call upon their service during times of poverty, pray tell who will?"

Any feigned signs of amusement have left the man's otherwise emotionless face. Though you try to remain stable, you feel yourself involuntarily pressing back against the wall. It's a cold stone, offering little comfort regarding the leader's towering figure. The confusing combination of fear and combativeness building inside mixed with the copious amounts of wine leave you feeling doubtful.

"I did not expect such insubordination from one who has requested my aid." Teos retracts effortlessly, his deep tone seeming to flip the accusations towards you.

Despite your impulsive desire to launch a counterargument, you instead **** your posture to relax. Presenting the man a composed smile, you spread your arms out disarmingly.

"You are right." You concede attempting to appear agreeable. "We are allies, there is no need to debate. We can discuss the details of your visit on the morrow."

"I would rather discuss them now." He counters offhandedly and takes another step forward.

"It hardly seems a fitting time for such an important discussion." You quickly interject feeling entirely unprepared to engage in further discourse.

"I would prefer discussing such things in private." His deep tone drops even lower as he speaks discreetly. "I do not think we will easily get such an opportunity again."

Swallowing dryly, you mind briefly flits back to Tiberius and where he might be. Surely he would have intervened the moment he saw Teos approaching. Regardless, he is not here now and you are left to your own devices.

"Very well." You agree somewhat reluctantly, the sound of the nearby crowd temporarily placating your concerns. "Speak."

"I had initially intended to go about this quite differently." The leader begins sounding slightly abraded. "However, it seems my messenger has failed me, as I expected you to already have an answer upon my arrival. Now, I am tasked with doing my own attendants work."

Biting your tongue, you stifle any sharp response to his seemingly detached viewpoint. Though he's hardly succeeded in winning your interest, you resolve to hear him out before casting full judgment. Were the request coming from anyone else and under most other circumstances you would not be so patient.

"I mean to propose a further alliance between our people." He continues, the bulk of his frame blocking your view of the hallway behind him. "If you are in agreement of my conditions of course."

Though you are listening to his words, you find yourself lost, gazing at his impressive physique. You are still beset with a mixture of fear and intrigue about him. You can envision him as both a protective presence and intimidating figure.

"Please, do explain." You request distractedly, trying and failing to keep focused on his voice.

"I believe it would be advantageous to us both if we were to merge our nations." His next words are successful in capturing your full attention. "I believe in your language you call it a union or marriage."

"Marriage?" You repeat in disbelief, nearly laughing in response at the thought. "You cannot be serious."

"Why is that?" He frowns slightly, showing the first sign of expression since the proposal. "You are in need of my armies and I am in need of further influence on this side of the world, such matches have been made for less."

"Perhaps." You mumble under your breath, taking a moment to consider the political advantages the merger would yield. "However, it is quite unexpected nonetheless. I wonder what you planned in the event I decline your offer?"

"In that unlikely event, I would return home with most if not all of my men." Teos' expression has returned to neutral, though his voice suggests he's displeased with the very suggestion. "How many remain is up to you and your coffers."

"I see." Your lips purse as your suspicions are confirmed, you are **** to choose between winning and losing the war. You can only imagine the amount he intends to charge should you reject his bid. "Before I can consider your proposition I should like to know what these 'conditions' are."

The man's eyes narrow slightly as he looks over your sober expression. He seems to be quite irked by your lack of immediate acceptance of his offer. This leads you to believe it must be quite important to him that you comply. You can only hope this is the case as it might offer you some type of edge whilst negotiating.

"I am willing to allow you hold of your title and all it comes with. I only ask one thing in return."

Folding your arms over your chest defensively, you're acutely aware of his gaze slowly traveling down your neck to your partially exposed shoulders. Arching a brow, you silently indicate for him to continue.

"You must surrender yourself to me completely, beginning now."