Follow Alexia's lead

"I trust you, Alexia." You agree to her suggestion after only moment of hesitation. If you are trying to get this lovely woman to trust you in a relationship, you'd better start accepting her advice every once in a while.

"It's been decided, Lady Mara and Lady Sara." You announce to the pair who are clearly becoming more and more apprehensive at your muted conversation with Alexia. "I'm putting you under the care of my advisor here. Alexia knows more about court politics than most men three times her age, she has a lot of knowledge to share with you if you are attentive." If the pair are surprised at being turned over to the care of a woman only a few years older then them they do not give any indication of it.

As Alexia introduces herself, you order one of the aides waiting outside the tent to get food and busy yourself inspecting your swords for any nicks or dull spots. Hopefully, they sisters will feel more comfortable about their new positions dealing with a young woman serving their new king directly. As you wait for the food to arrive you silently listen to their gossip as Sara and Mara thinking that whispering to Alexia would keep you from hearing.

"Is it true that Kalion has no slaves?" Mara asks followed quickly by Sara's "Is King Bruce really the son of Athena and Ares?" Allowing Alexia to handle the girls is definitely the right move, and you pretend to ignore the trio as your spymaster answers the young ladies' multiple questions.

"Yes, Mara, slavery was outlawed about 30 years ago under King Achilles reign, and yes to your question too, Sara," she continues, "I believe he is a god himself, but he's only officially recognized as one in Kalion, The Free Tribes east of Kalion, Coreli, and Biessoi." Alexia qualifies her answer.

"If he is not the child of the King or Queen of Kalion how did he become the King?" asks Mara with some doubt." Alexia has doubtlessly answered this question many times in her dealings, and you sit quietly and listen to her recount the now legendary tale.

"About twenty-five years ago, Ladies, the people of Kalion were growing restless at the lack of a crown prince for their city." Alexia explains in the soft clear voice that you've grown to trust, "King Achilles and Queen Karissa tried for years to have children but all were still-born so they prayed every night in the Temple of Olympus in Kalion for an heir. Then one cloudless night, a lightning bolt struck the roof of the Temple the people rushed to it thinking there to be a fire but were shocked to find Zeus himself standing in the center of the great hall of worship holding a baby in his hands." The twins are captivated by the account, apparently forgetting all about your presence as Alexia continues. "The great Zeus ordainded that the King and Queen become the foster parents of the baby, and raise him to be a good man which they accepted graciously. Before Zeus disappeared, he foretold that the child would be fiercely bold like his father and wise and cunning as his mother, and become a great warrior and leader."

"Wait," asks Sara with surprise, "You're saying that Zeus himself personally handed over King Kalion when he was just a babe?" You hear the cooks bringing the food so you put the swords down and decide to answer the last questions yourself.

"Yes, Lady Sara, my grandfather wanted me to be raised away from the bickering of the Gods there is but one Temple in Kalion that represents all of the Gods/Goddess." The girls blush sweetly realizing that you had overheard everything they said, but Alexia laughs easily lightening the moment.

"Come." You direct the pair to the folding chairs you use while campaigning, "The food is almost here. Let's talk about you two for a while." As soon as all are seated, the platters of flatbread, olives and sliced meats are spread out before you, filling a plate you lean back. "So, I know you're from a noble house," you begin gently, "and, judging by how much your father worried, you two must of had a decent upbringing." They nod happily and you smile easily turning on as much charm as you can. "Is there anything you like to do?"

"I like to dance and my sister is a wonderful singer ... " Mara blushes fiercely and her eyes drop to her dainty feet in elegant sandals; in spite of all your assurances, does she think you'll have her dance for you like the half-naked slavegirls that dance at the parties of her city. Before you can reassure her, Alexia abruptly changes the topic.

"So any young men you fancy, boyfriends, suitors ... lovers?" You give your spymaster a sharp look, asking were she's going with this. The twins peer up through their thick lashes in surprise, but shake their heads giving you a glance out of the corners of their green eyes.

"No one?" Alexia teases girlishly, pointedly ignoring your frown. "There must be someone you have your eye on, a wealthy merchant, handsome warrior, or powerful nobleman?" Again the sisters shake their heads and Sara gives a barely perceptible shudder.

"OK," Alexia laughs easily, "not one of those arrogant nobles, and certainly not one of the fat merchant lords." Alexia is too good at reading people to let them get away without further questions. She gives you a wink as she probes further. "I don't blame you, but what kind of young men do you wish would come courting?"