9.3 Recompense

As the crowd continues staring at you in a mix of awe and confusion, you become increasingly aware of your surroundings. A small fire has broken out on the stage, of which your guards are hastily moving to extinguish. More shocking than that is the burnt corpse of the man who had once threatened you. It seems as if the lightning bolt had struck him directly. You cannot pretend to be disheartened by this revelation. After all, the man had tried to kill you mere moments ago. Shaking your head softly, you look down at the group solemnly.

"My people, it is time for change." You implore them patently, still oblivious to the tongues of flame lapping at your calves. "The gods themselves demand it."

Without waiting to see their response, you swiftly turn and descend the stage. Your treasonous guard seems to have reverted as they quickly rush to your side. Ignoring them, you have servants escort you back. Once you have reached your chambers, you absentmindedly dismiss your guard. You remain sequestered in your room until the election results are finalized. Somewhat reluctantly, you join the patricians, along with Kyros in the meeting hall. The odd sense of calm returns and remains, even as you feel all eyes fall upon you. Unperturbed by the looks, you turn your attention to the head patrician when he begins to speak. Though your mind is hardly focused on his words, you know exactly what he is saying. A smile tugs at the corner of your mouth at the news of your successful election. Relieved that you will be maintaining your title, you thank the man for his announcement.

When one of the men asks if you wish to call for a feast this evening, you shake your head in disagreement. Telling him to instead schedule it for a couple of days from now. Though you are quite ecstatic regarding the news, you're also unexpectedly calm. A large party is far from what your mind currently desires. Although what it does desire isn't quite clear to you yet. After spending the appropriate amount of time mingling with your constituents, you quickly dismiss yourself. You decide to end the day with a long bath before retiring for the evening. The following morning you're rather surprised to learn you have a visitor. Following your guards to one of the many meeting rooms, you're more surprised to find Damasus waiting for you. Frowning, you dismiss the guards before motioning for the man to take a seat. He declines the offer, instead looking you over intently.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" You inquire curiously, having long since forgotten your arrangement.

Damasus clears this throat brusquely before stepping forward. A pained expression covers his face as he begins to speak.

"I heard of your victory." He states in a flustered tone, trying to keep his eyes focused on yours. "To which I believe is in no small part thanks to my doing..."

"You are here to collect your reward." You reply curtly, now remembering your prior meeting. "How brash."

The man's expression becomes slightly annoyed as he takes another step forward. His blue eyes regard you with an air of impatience and discomfort.

"We had an arrangement." Damasus begins, seeming to choose his words carefully. "I held up my end of the bargain..."

"Undoubtedly." You muse thoughtfully while considering your options.

Looking over the man you note he is far from unattractive, despite his slightly cowardly manner. You're far more accustomed to men who are more inclined to have their way. The man's lack of aggression intrigues you. His dark hair falls across his brow, prompting him to brush it back absentmindedly. As you continue observing the man, you realize you have made your decision.

"I am a woman of my word." You speak again, moving up to stand before the man.

His brow raises slightly as he's unable to mask the slight surprise on his face. Ignoring this, you lower your gaze to the garments covering his body. Picking up on your signal, he quickly stands and reaches down undo the belt around his waist. You take a small step back watching as he begins removing his toga. Your own brow rises in interest when his surprisingly muscular torso is revealed. Satisfied with the sight, you slowly trace a hand along his taut abdomen. His olive skin feels flushed as your hand continues traveling further down. Realizing you appear to be in charge, you boldly wrap your hand around the base of his half erect shaft. The appendage only grows firmer as you continue moving your hand along it.

The man leans into your touch as your pressure tightens slightly. You had never specified the exact way you would repay the man. So long as he derives some pleasure from your meeting, you will consider the debt repaid. It appears as this will not be a difficult task, considering the man is already groaning softly. Smirking softly, you lean down and spit, using the saliva as lubricant. You can't help noticing how good he feels in your hand. Though you have no intentions of taking things further, it has reminded you of how long it has been since you last experienced pleasure. Trying to dismiss these thoughts, you concentrate on the task at hand. Thankfully, it is not long before viscous liquid is pouring down along your fingers. Damasus lets out a final groan before pulling away and sitting down slowly. Satisfied that your job is complete, you quickly wipe the liquid away before moving towards the door.

"I trust we are settled now." You state, your tone indicating this is not a question.

Damasus nods somewhat absentmindedly, still drunk from pleasure. You mask a smile while waiting for him to redress. Once he is done, you give a curt look before exiting the room. A strange feeling falls on you as you realize the position you are in. Elected leader of the state and now without any debts or arrangements. All of this would normally be more than enough to satiate you. However, you're now acutely aware of how physically lonely you have become. A deep ache has formed inside you since you left your meeting with Damasus. Attempting to ignore it, you return to your chambers, determined to maintain focus on your rule.