Yes, but on your own terms

You rise abruptly from your seat and stride towards the small group of Athenian lords, the dark-haired Darius steps back awkwardly to rejoin the other three elders, again apparently distracted by the amulet. Of the three others, only Lord Micras does not seem alarmed by your sudden approach, instead he seems to be trying to reassure his daughters who are on the brink of tears.

"As you said, Lord Darius, Kalion does not deal in slavery so I must refuse your offer." You see the look of surprise and irritation on Darius' pale face, but it returns to that smug grin as you continue. "However, if it pleases you, Lord Micras and your daughters, I will hire your girls as my personal assistants, they might perhaps learn some skills." The green eyes of the father meet yours with an undisguised sadness and you do your best to reassure him. "In my care, they will be protected from the fate of other maidens in the city should it fall." The eyes of the two sisters widen as you openly acknowledge that other girls, their age and even younger will be stripped and sold as slaves if the city falls to the besieging armies. "If the Gods favor us and we both still live after this unfortunate war, I will return them to you free women."

"Thank you." Lord Micras seems almost confused by your politeness, and then with a quick glance at the others continues hurriedly. "Please watch over my daughters - they are dear to me, in spite of what you must think. I know you're a kind King and a good man." Perhaps sensing the displeasure of Lord Darius, Micras bows and his tone becomes more formal. "I would be pleased to talk or have wine with you after this mess is over."

"Sara, Mara listen to his Majesty." Micras calls over his shoulder as he is all but dragged out of the tent by Darius and the others. "Every thing will be fine, I love you two and we will see each other again!" Galeon leaves to escort the embassy from Athenapolis back to their tents, and you and Alexia are left alone in your tent.

"Thank-you, Your Majesty, for your kindness to our father." The twin on the left curtsies deeply and speaks in a clear pleasant voice. "My name is Maralydia Thedonia Micras," she gestures to her sister who wrings her hands together as she too curtsies deeply, "and this is my sister Sarakaylania Demetera. Everyone except for Mother calls us Mara and Sara."

Before you can answer, Alexia guides the pair to a couch on the far side of the room before returning to your side where she can converse without being overheard.

"Bruce," the sound of her voice sends waves of pleasure through you as does the closeness of her frame to yours. "These two are clearly spies, let me keep them someplace safe until the city has fallen or you've worked your miracle."

"Do they look like spies, Alexia?" You ask as you watch the sisters sit arm in arm watching you and your advisor decide their fate.

"No, Bruce," Alexia concedes softly. "They look like sweet morsels set on your plate to tempt you after a full meal." The pair were tempting, but you are trying to develop a relationship with Alexia, so admitting that you found them attractive is the last thing you want to do.

"Not that tempting to me." You snort disdainfully, "I just wanted to keep them out of the slaver's pens." You're not sure Alexia believes your as disinterested as you claim, but you continue anyways. "Look at them, they are terrified. I promised their father I'd keep them as my assistants, if the pair disappears he will surely learn of it and then I look like a monster. How can I build trust with the High Council if it looks like I can't keep my word?"

"Maybe you're right about that." Alexia looks at you with new respect, "but if you don't mind, Sire, put them under my care so that I can keep an eye on them." You had hoped to pawn them off on some other more distant advisor, so you could have more time alone with your spymaster, but in all other ways, her request makes a lot of sense.