Yes, and he'll keep quiet

You find Barticus currying the smooth coat of Bolt, his favorite mount. "Brother, I need to talk to you about what you saw earlier, do you have a moment?"

"Sure, Bruce. Hey, I didn't realize you and Alexia had taken your relationship to the next level. You lucky dog - she is one fine looking woman!"

"Its complicated, Bart," you tell him and his grin fades. "I'm not sure exactly what we are doing but Alexia refuses to make this official, so for now, I'd appreciate it if you don't tell anyone about it."

"No problem, Bruce." He slaps you on your shoulder, "Damn though, that is a lover I'd be happy to have in my bed." The cocky shake of his head makes his long blond curls dance, "Come to think of it, Bruce, I did try a couple times but she wasn't at all interested, not in me anyways." You push back a moment of irrational jealousy, Bart clearly doesn't think he did anything wrong and his easy laughter makes it hard to be angry. Thankfully, with his attention directed at the shoes on his horses hoofs, Barticus didn't even notice the momentary flash of emotion. "Can we talk later," he asks without even looking up, "I've got to get Bolt prepped for the races later today." It figures that this young prince is more concerned about the upcoming races than he is about you and your personal relations. With the comforting knowledge that your oath-brother hasn't been gossiping about you and Alexia, you decide to have Galeon let the various envoys visit you one group at a time in your tent.

Letting him take care of the arrangements, you change into your best robes, a gift from Polhermes a little over a year ago that you decided to keep for occasions such as these. Although nowhere near as comfortable as your tunic or even the leather armor you often wear, the bright vermillion fabric is embroidered with enough gold to remind your visitors of the wealth and power of Kalion. Instead of wearing the uncomfortable crown you have it set on its stand within arm's reach and your swords hang casually from the heavy mahogany seat that acts as your traveling throne; the effect (you hope) is one of a warrior king not at all worried about his personal safety.

Alexia takes her customary place off to the side of the tent within hearing distance but far enough away that she is often overlooked, and nods at you that all is in order. She stubbornly refuses to look at you after that cursory nod, so you take the time to study her looking for telltale signs of her new womanhood. She moved a little stiffly as she entered the tent, and there perhaps a little more color on her cheeks, but other than her disinterest in you, not much has changed. Apparently Galeon has decided to have you deal with the Athenians first, and as he approaches, Alexia fills you in on what she knows about the emissaries from the besieged city.

"Your Majesty," Alexia begins fare more formally than her typical style, "The lords Etinamin and Trimoso are members of the Regent's High Council, both have webs of connections throughout every aspect of the city's dealings, and are quiet but very intelligent." You remember earlier briefings about the two, and indicate she can go on. "Lord Darius on the other hand, is loud and profoundly stupid. The oldest son of a minor merchant family, his father acquired a large amount of wealth about twenty years ago, since then he has used it to marry this boorish fool, into one of the noble houses." It is clear that Alexia does not think much of the young ambassador and your have come to trust her judgement on these matters. "The marriage is not a union that would be favored by Aphrodite, my informants agree that Lord Darius is known for his cruelty to his pretty young bride." She shrugs her shoulders in a gesture of apology. "As for the other envoy. his name is Lord Micras and his family name has been associated with Athenapolis since its founding, but he is not one of the city's elite, the two young women appear to be under his care, but I no nothing about either of them." Before you have any further chance to question your spymaster, the tent flap opens.

"Your Majesty, the Lords Etinamin, Darius, Trimoso and Micras of Athenapolis." Galeon announces.

"Welcome to my temporary home, My Lords." You welcome the assembly in, noting as you do that the clothing worn by the grey-haired ambassadors is easily as luxurious as your robes. Lord Darius's clothing with an over abundance of gemstones fails to make up for it's lack of style and Lord Micras flanked by the two young women, wears a long-sleeved robe that has clearly seen better days. Unlike the traditional clothing worn by the men, the silks worn by the two young women were wearing styles more like those worn in Kalion than the fashion of noblewomen of Athenapolis. First of all, the two are unveiled and you can fully appreciate their almost identical faces with flawless sun-kissed skin that colors as they notice your interest. Instead of concealing their figures, the silks cling to the teen's slender bodies in an almost indecent fashion. In spite of yourself, you have trouble taking your eyes off the two petite brunettes, the pair are a half-dozen or so years younger than you, but these are not girls - you can see the full curves of their flaring hips and round breasts. Their eyes fall nervously to the carpet, and you can see the tension in their shoulders - they're scared you realize, and you have a sudden realization of why these beautiful young women are here, and why they are dressed the way they are.

Turning your attention to the men you note silently that Lord Darius has not missed your assessment of the two beautiful teenaged maidens. He has a cocky, self-pleased grin on his face that you would dislike even without Alexia's background information. You hide your contempt for the man and his oiled hair and polished fingernails as you offer the group wine; although only half the age of the other men, he seems to be in charge of this envoy. Lord Darius speaks for the others dismissing your attempt at hospitality with a dismissive lift of his nose.

"No thank you, King Kalion. We have no wish to impose upon your limited-" there is the slightest hitch in his voice when his gaze lands on the amulet presented to you by your mother, "-resources, or time. The High Council however did want to recognize your timely arrival and the efforts you have made to bring reason and civility into this unjust war." You wonder if these emissaries really do believe that the war is unjust, or even if they think you are there to help them. "Normally, under these circumstances, we would be presenting you with highly skilled slave-girls as a token of our gratitude -" he lifts his hand to stop you before you can tell him what you think of that idea, "I know, you have strong views on this matter, so instead of slaves to serve a king I am here to offer you Lord Micras' lovely twin daughters, Sara and Mara to serve you." The pair step forward and lift their eyes shyly. The silver necklaces that encircle the girls throats are reminiscent of slave collars and you now realize that the bracelets glimmering on their slender wrists are crafted much like the crude shackles worn by captives.

The color of the sister's eyes matches the green of their father's although they look away as Darius continues his well-rehearsed remarks. "Although of noble birth, your Majesty, these lovely and modest young ladies are eager to serve you in any fashion you desire." The way the man's tongue licks his thin lips reminds you of a lizard, and you have no doubt about how he thinks you'll have these trembling sisters serving you. "It is our hope that you'll find pleasure in this small token of good faith and possible alliance in the future."