A soft laugh penetrated the hardened exterior of his preoccupied mind. He twisted half around to find the source. His assumption had been on the mark. Above him, on the balcony, stood the object of his frustration—Kyra. It was obvious she and her companion were not aware of his presence. They spoke gaily and laughed lightly. Eris watched her, admiring the play of the sunlight on her bright hair. From her fresh, vital appearance it was apparent she had not shared his problems with regards to sleep. Eris could not fault her for this, however, especially when she appeared as radiant as the sun itself. He smiled. Kyra—radiant and glorious, so very much like the sun.
Eris narrowed his eyes as the couple stepped out of the sheltered shadows and closer to the wooden balustrade. Recognizing her companion, he suddenly tensed. Dark hair, broad shoulders, and tanned skin sent a streak of blazing anger through him. He knew immediately who her companion was. He saw the very same features, identical likeness, in the mirror each morning. Sappho. He had no recognition or understanding of what manner of madness suddenly overcame his body, much less how to control it. All he knew was that he felt unexplainable rage and a broiling fury. He did not waste time heading for the far stairway. He simply ran straight at the wall before him. His foot hit the wall hard, propelling him up. The air rushed past his face as he soared upward. His foot kicked out again, vaulting him even higher, faster. Within that split second he grabbed the railing and levered himself over. Jaws gaping, two pairs of startled eyes gaped at him.
Eris took a single step forward, towering over Kyra, and stared Sappho straight in the eye. Powerful emotions swirled and raced through his heated system, but only a single coherent word surfaced through the haze of red blinding him. The snake head upon his chest was upright and poised, ready for attack. He felt the need for the spilling of blood spread from the beast and infuse into his bloodstream. It beat at him in waves, it pulsed, and it drummed. Yet he uttered a single word, “Tonight.”
He strode away before either of the stunned early morning risers could respond. Tonight he would possess her body and see this strange compulsion within him satisfied and ultimately smothered.
* * * *
Kyra could not shake the feeling of terrifying doom infused with heady anticipation within her. Many times she had heard the term of allowing slumbering beasts to lie. Yet she seemed to evoke its wrath. There was nothing she could do. She was physically attracted to both the brothers, which could not be a big surprise. They were identical. Every rippling muscle and clenched tendon was duplicated. How could she pass the opportunity of having both in her bed? She turned suddenly to a voice behind her.
“He will not marry one such as you. You do not even know where your heritage lies.”
Kyra watched as Vasiliki Akantha strolled toward her. The queen’s expression did not falter, however, with Kyra’s response. “Were it a noose around my neck I sought, I would have been gravely disappointed. But as matters stand at present, my love for my independence and appreciation for my freedoms, your words inspire nothing beyond relief in me.”
The older woman stepped beside her and shared the view Kyra had been admiring. She pointed to the figure engraved upon the wall. The lone figure stood solitary, chained to a rock while a feud ensued around her. The battle was between a man and a large, monstrous creature amidst a raging, violent sea. “That is the legend around which all this is built.” She gestured with her hand casually. “Andromeda turned her nose at the wrath of the Gods, and she inspired a nation that continues to follow in her footsteps centuries after her passing.”
Kyra stared at the figure. Throughout the palace she had noticed various artworks, paintings and sculptures, all dedicated to the legend of the fair and brave Andromeda. Each and every piece intrigued her and inspired her. She nodded in agreement. “You are indeed correct. I feel inspiration flood my body with each new artwork I see depicting her, each new tale I hear of her brave feats and daring courage. Were it that more females could be like her, there would be a score more women leaders in our world.”
The queen looked at her slyly. “The power is already within each and every woman. She has but to wield it.” She laughed lightly. “I see you are confused. Let me be more specific. Women hold all the power they will ever need. It lies not in their hands but between their thighs.” The older woman strode idly to nearby stone seat situated before a fountain, yet another marble sculpture of the heroine, and sat. She patted the vacant space beside her.
As Kyra accepted the seat, the queen continued, “There is not a man alive who can resist the allure of a woman, excepting the handful who appreciates those of their own gender. The weapon that a woman possesses ultimately determines the nature of the man beside her. Should she wish him to do well, he shall. Should she wish him to do wrong, he shall commit heinous crimes for her. She has only to allow him the sampling of her wares. If her wares are half as good as she professes it to be, she shall ensnare—and control—any man she wants.”
Kyra smiled. “I am afraid we shall have to agree to disagree, my queen. I believe the carnal acts between a man and a woman have little to nothing to do with control. They should bestow upon each other the right to equal power, while at the same time accepting and cradling each other’s vulnerabilities. A man who possesses virility and a well-sized and masterfully plied cock can just as easily sway the mind of a woman.”
Vasiliki Akantha laughed in genuine amusement. “Those are words that can only be uttered by the young and innocent, the naïve. My dear, one cock is very much the same as another. What differs is the manner in which the woman receives it. Should she fool herself into believing she loves the man, she shall enjoy whatever manner of expertise he plies it. Do not mistake the act of lovemaking with love. They are worlds apart.”
Kyra considered the woman’s words carefully before responding, “Mayhap time shall change the manner of my thinking, if indeed it is in error. However, for now I shall enjoy my youth and naivety and enjoy what pleasures are available to me. I have no further aspirations beyond the thorough filling of my womb, no further expectations beyond the releasing of my own floods.”
The queen nodded. “Then we shall agree to disagree. Enjoy while enjoyment is yet simple.”
Kyra shifted uncomfortably as the queen studied her closely. Her words made her even more wary. “Your skin is young and unblemished by neither time nor worries. Your eyes are clear, free of the ravaging weight borne by the shoulders of a maturing woman. They shine still with wonder and anticipation.” Vasiliki Akantha raised her hand and gently ran her thumb experimentally over Kyra’s plump bottom lip. “How soft and delicate your lips appear.”
Kyra swallowed. “Soft, just as you imagine it would be.” She sat still under the caress. She had been expecting these advances from the moment she had felt the queen’s eyes upon her. The heat of her gaze was unmistakable. “I will warn you before you allow your lips to caress mine, my preference is for males—exclusively.”
The queen tittered beneath her breath. “That is a pity. You know not the world of pleasure I could teach you.”
Kyra stared back defiantly. “And I am not a male who possesses a cock to be led around by. Wield your power and mastery over those susceptible to them.”
Vasiliki Akantha did not appear to take offense, neither did she remove her caressing thumb. She whispered, “With you, my sweet, I would take nothing, but give. I offer but one taste.”
Kyra closed her eyes, lost in this world of seductive words and sensual promises. “One taste.”
The queen’s kiss was surprisingly light, unhurried. Kyra felt a tender tickle as soft lips feathered caressingly, imploringly over hers. She sighed, allowing her lips to part. The tongue of the queen tasted sweet yet spicy. Her tongue sank in deep for a thorough sampling, exploring the deep crevices within Kyra’s mouth. Kyra’s moaned as their tongues petted each other. She groaned as they began to fence and duel.
Finally the queen lightened her touch and broke slowly away. “We could have ma
de sweet music together. Be sure the lance you choose is to your satisfaction before submitting. Both the fang of the snake and the sting of the scorpion possess the prick that would delight. Your wares are too sweet to be wasted on the wrong man.”
* * * *
Eris strode into the chamber, full of confidence and anticipation. His blood was heated past boiling point, and his loins burned with fever. His sac was heavy, filled with the seeds of his anticipation. The stars had finally sought their place in the sky. The night was upon them. He sauntered forward, fully intent of getting the illicit affair underway. But he drew to a quick halt.
Sappho turned from his spot at the center of the chamber. “She is not present.”
Eris gave the chamber a quick perusal and found Sappho’s statement to be true. He stared at his brother angrily. “If you have found a way to detain her in some fashion, I shall seek suitable compensation from you on the battlefield.”
Sappho grunted, obviously likewise impatient. “Detaining her would insinuate a fear for you, something I do not possess, brother. Her absence is no fault of mine.”
Eris glanced around the room once more before growling in irritation, “Then I shall find her and have her honor her word. This deed shall be fulfilled this night.”
As the words poured vehemently from his lips, the door opened silently. Both men spun toward it with aggressive expressions. The slave girl standing on the threshold shrunk back uncertainly. Eris did not have the patience for the simmering, frightened lass. “Speak, girl.”
The slave girl stared at one man to the next. Her voice left her in a terrified whisper. “The lady, Kyra, requests your presence in the bathing chamber.”
At her words, both men moved as one toward the open doorway, a doorway she presently obstructed, and she scrambled hurriedly to get out the way.
Eris was the first out the door but stopped at a further obstruction. “Vasiliki Akantha. We have a pressing matter to see to, my Queen, and wish no further delays, with all respect to you, of course.”
The queen watched the slave girl disappear down the far end of the passage but refused to budge from the way. She eyed the men coyly. “Pressing matter or no, I will have an audience with you.” As both men bore the same frustrated expressions and made to retreat back within the chamber, she added, “With Eris.”
Sappho did not waste a moment. He spared only enough time to send Eris a satisfied smirk before rushing out the door. Eris scowled in annoyance. Sappho would now hold the advantage of time. “My Queen, you have my undying devotion and dedication, but at present I am not pleased with this delay you cause me.”
The queen ignored his disgruntled expression and strode into the chamber, sealing the door fully behind her.
She walked around the chamber, touching lightly upon objects as she went. “There is something you may wish to hear before embarking on this deed.”
Eris looked at the closed door impatiently. “Speak so that I may be enlightened and allow me my dismissal.”
Vasiliki Akantha seemed oblivious to the urgency in his voice. She strolled leisurely to the kline and ran her hand softly over the crumpled pillow. Finally, she looked up at him and stated, “I believe I can safely guess the origin of our mysterious Kyra.”
Eris lost all immediate interest in the door and focused on this new information. “What evidence have you found?”
The queen shook her head solemnly before answering, “I do not believe you will be pleased with my suspicion. I have studied the ways and traits of Kyra and have found something that cannot be denied.”
Eris wished she would simply get to the point. But he felt a tiny surge of panic at her words. “Pleased or not, I eagerly await your speech.”
“Kyra possesses a somewhat whimsical nature, a thorough curiosity in all things, and a strong will to satisfy that desire despite any reservations she may have within her. Added to her extremely exquisite countenance and alluring character, I can safely surmise her to be of one nation—the people of Pandora.”
Eris drew back in horror. “How can she possibly be of such an ignorant, vain people? It is patently clear that she possesses great intelligence and wit. I am afraid I cannot accept this.”
The queen held up cautioning hand as he made to leave. “Allow me but a minute of your time, Eris. Would you intentionally seek to keep yourself in ignorance?”
Eris paused. He did wish to hear the story behind the fair Kyra, even if it was not exactly what he wanted to hear. He nodded simply for her to continue.
“As we know, the Gods did not hold mankind in high regard. They found us weak and vain. But there were a few among them who sought to assist and protect us. One such Titan was Prometheus—forethought.”
Eris nodded. “He has gifted us with fire. And he suffered greatly for that aid he extended us. The other Gods were furious. That is the reason we pay allegiance to him.”
The queen rubbed the soft, purple rug on the kline between her fingers. “Prometheus’s punishment was indeed grave, strapped to a rock while an eagle picked and fed at his liver for all eternity.”
“But the Gods found a weakness in his attack of mankind. That weakness came in the form of the brother. While Prometheus refused to give in to the Gods’ constant request of foretelling the future, and endured the cruel punishment set upon him, Epimetheus—afterthought—was weak and vain enough to accept the gift the Gods sent him.”
The woman inclined her head. “Against his brother’s explicit warnings, Epimetheus greedily welcomed the gift—Pandora. She was said to be the most alluring of women, and no man would resist her. Epimetheus certain could not. Pandora, in turn, was unable to resist the temptation of the jar she had arrived with, Pandora’s Box. The Gods forbade her against ever opening the box, knowing full well she would succumb to her curious nature. She opened the jar, and out spilled all the ills affecting mankind—evils, sorrow, plagues, misfortunes, but fortunately a speck of hope as well.”
Eris listened to her tale and shook his head. “I am aware of these stories, Vasiliki Akantha. What I wish to hear is your evidence that Kyra is one of these people who ignorantly offer praise to the foolish Epimetheus.”
The queen sighed heavily. “Pandora bore from her womb the most beautiful and alluring females. They attracted the eyes of men wherever they set foot. They also bore the incessant craving of having their curiosity fulfilled. They disregard common logic and good sense simply on their own whims. Kyra has shown these characteristics. It distresses me to be the harbinger of ill tidings, but she is a mere product born of a foolish people.”
Eris narrowed his eyes. “How exactly have you come to this conclusion?”
Vasiliki Akantha shrugged and licked her bottom lip leisurely. “Let me just say I have tested her, and she has failed dismally. The taste of her still lingers despite her apparent rejection of my decadent offer.”
The snake upon Eris’s chest coiled in uncertainty, seeking comfort within the twists and swirls of its body. Eris frowned at the bed. He had heard of this people, and he held no respect for them. Why they continued to offer their worship to a Titan who had proved himself so foolish was a question he had never been able to find an answer to. His continued, unwavering stare at the unmade bed was no coincidence. Within him raged a battle. His body still wished the taste of her while his mind drew away in revolt. Finally he sighed, accepting the inevitable. “I seek the pleasures offered in her wares, and nothing further. It matters not to me where she descends from. The taste I shall garner from between her thighs would taste just as sweet were she of a more noble people. However, I shall send forth a messenger to the people of Pandora to find out if one named Kyra is missing amongst their ranks.”
The queen nodded with a grim grin. “As I was expecting this very response from you, I have already dispatched a messenger with instructions to make haste. You are, after all, a man, and no man stood a chance against Pandora. Why would you fare any better with her enticing descendent? Resist not such a tasty mors
el but pursue as you will while erring on the side of caution with regards to any tender feelings. I tell you this not to dissuade you from seeking your thrills within the warm confines of her crevice, snake. I tell you this so that you will consider carefully before welcoming further, deeper feelings.”
Eris nodded curtly. Before he could pass the opening at the door he inquired, “Why then do you warn only me? Surely Sappho faces the same trap. Is he not already embroiled in this sticky web?”
Vasiliki Akantha laughed. “Not in this particular instance. Let me not hold you up further from your desire for sport. I shall simply say, as a woman, I am able to see things more clearly—the snake has already foraged an undeniable path.”
* * * *
Eris entered a bathing chamber. But it was not the bathing chamber he was accustomed to seeing in his homeland. It resembled the vast harem halls he had been a guest to in foreign, more free and carnal cities. Candles lit every spare corner of the chamber, scented heavily, heady and intoxicating. Petals carpeted not only the floor but were scattered liberally over the water. But one feature differed with regards to other harems. Here there was only a single attraction, and she sparkled like a rare jewel. He strode forward. “Have you not disrobed in anticipation of my arrival, fair Kyra?”
Kyra turned away from the slave girl she had been instructing and smiled. “The night is but young. Let us not be too eager lest we tire too quickly and waste it in sleep. We have already wasted a good measure due to your tardiness. But I shall overlook that slight, for tonight.”
Tangles and Temptation Page 4
