What about Eudora?

“What about Eudora?” Asks Cassia, you can feel her warm breath on your ear as she whispers to you. Part of you wants to forget about Eudora, but even if you could, how could you explain to Cassia that you were abandoning your childhood love to a lifetime of slavery. “We can hide tonight and try again in the morning." She continues hopefully "Maybe the soldiers will all be passed out from drink and it will be easier.” In your heart you know that it will only get harder to move about the city as the invaders become more and more entrenched in the city, but you don’t share that with Cassia.

“I’ll get you out of the city first, and then return for Eudora somehow.” Cassia’s warm hand finds your cheek as you continue “Maybe I can buy her at the **** auction, or pretend I’m an officer sent to transfer her or…” You know these ideas will never work, but you are afraid Cassia will refuse to leave the city if she thinks it means betraying Eudora.

“Stop.” Her fingers press against your lips silencing you. “There is the other way.” Her fingers feel wonderful against your lips, you almost don’t say anything because you don’t want her to move them. “We can use the catacombs.”

“But you said it would be worse.” She barely lifts her fingers from your lips as you speak.

“It may be possible if..." She hesitates nervously"... Adonis, I need to ask you a personal question.” Cassia’s usually calm voice is now suddenly unsure. “It is important that you tell me the truth, will you do that?” She pauses.

“I don’t think I could lie to you Cassia.” What if she asked you to run with her and never come back? “What would you say?” But Cassia’s question is very different and catches you by surprise.

“Did you sleep with Eudora? Have you had sex with her, or anyone else?" She pulls you out of the shadows so she can see your eyes as you answer, and you can see her cheeks color as she tries again. "I need to know if you are a virgin.”