The sisters

"Alexia," you begin as you take another step closer eager to hold her once again. Almost as if she knows where you are going, she sidesteps as gracefully a duelist and changes the subject.

"I've been thinking about Mara and Sara, Bruce." Alexia has that contemplative look that you've come to know as she works out a half-developed theory.

"They seem nice enough." You offer blandly wondering how to turn the topic back to your developing relationship, Alexia however, is clearly thinking along different lines.

"I think you should bed at least one of them." You almost choke as you hear her.

"What-!?!" You finally manage to get out. "I can't do that!" As pretty as the sisters are, and they were clearly chosen to tempt any man, you are not going to force them to your bed and violate the trust the pair and their father have placed in you.

"You're right," for a heartbeat you think Alexia has come to her senses, but it just gets worse, "you can't have just one, it would devastate the other sister."

"Alexia!" Your voice takes on the regal tone that you use when you wish to end a conversation. "I will not lie with either of those two lovely young maidens. How could you even suggest something like that?" This encounter has taken a left turn and you're not sure exactly when.

"I'm just working it out now, Bruce, but the more I think about it the more I like the idea." You try to stop her but she silences you with a raised finger and you decide to let her spell out her reasons before you end this once and for all. "OK, first of all - there are the rumors about you and your oath-brothers. I know you're not lovers, but I've told you before that this is a reoccurring issue every time the three of you disappear for hours on your 'adventures'." You snort angrily but let her continue. "Some of your men don't know what to make of you; it wouldn't hurt to take a pretty young lover or two."

"That's why I think you should move in with me." You cannot contain your emotion any longer, but Alexia waves off your outburst like it is an annoying horse-fly.

"Secondly - If those two are plants by the city of Athenapolis, it might not be a bad idea to let that weasel Lord Darius think that he has succeeded in corrupting you. That is if you can enjoy those pretty things without falling in love with them?"

"Alexia, I love you!" You interject again, "I could never love sheltered debutants like those two, those girls don't know anything about the real world." It was true, listening to the twins as they ate made it crystal clear just how naïve the two were. "They are like fragile pottery that might shatter if I even just raised my voice at them."

"Which brings me to my third point." Alexia is not even phased by your objection. "Soon, your majesty you will have to take a bride. Your queen will be as sheltered and naïve as those two, and likely just as virginal. I think you need to refine your technique if you want your nuptial bed to be a place of pleasure for both you and your bride." This is getting ludicrous. The woman you are trying to seduce is recommending you practice your love-making skills on others?

"Are you saying you didn't like what we shared on that very bed?" It's hard not to get angry; having your first and only experience critiqued by that very lover is just too much. Alexia must sense that she has gone too far because she finally steps to meet you placing her hands on your forearms as she gazes up into your eyes.

"Bruce, you know I loved every minute of that." Alexia's voice becomes gentler and slightly sad. "I did, Bruce I swear it, but I'm not a pampered princess. My training has prepared me to deal with all sorts of pain, but even I could barely stand having that monster," she gestures to the noticeable bulge between your legs, "tear into me."

"I'm sorr-" Alexia cuts you off before you can apologize.

"Stop it Bruce." Once again you are cut off. "We're not talking about us. We're talking about someone like Procris, daughter of Aeolus king of Herapolis. The princess is turning sixteen this year, and her father has sent out feelers about a possible marriage."

"Why are you doing this?" You have to concentrate to keep your voice low as there could be a dozen or more men and women just on the other side of the canvas walls. "I don't want a sixteen year old girl in my bed, or as my queen. I want you."

"Because, it's my job, Your Majesty." Alexia smiles sadly, "and because I love you."