Fate Favors the Fearless

Blessed with the blood of the Gods,

A terrible warrior is to descend.

Divinity will smile down upon their child in battle,

His land he will defend.

Let this be a warning to those bound by greed,

To those who wish to offend.

Beware the relentless killer of Kings,

The foretold bringer of the end.

* * *

Words Are The Weapon I Chose To Wield

Dantelion's back met the ground for the umpteenth time with a heavy thud that forced the air from his lungs, the Spartan groaning weakly as he squinted up at the blazing sun. A figure blotted out the bright golden light when they leaned over him, the sculpted body of his lover shining with sweat as the man’s bare chest heaved in exertion. “You're improving. You may one day surpass even me.” Demetrius sniffed, staring down at him from behind his shaggy brown hair, a faint grin creasing the side of his thin mouth.

“I hope I never do, my love. I would not wish to lose this exquisite view.” Dantelion sighed in bliss as he slowly looked the thick warrior above him up and down, drinking his fill of the glorious sight. “Flattery will not win you my favor during your lessons.” Demetrius huffed with a roll of his vibrant blue eyes, offering Dantelion a calloused hand. The Spartan grinned sharply as he accepted the assistance, Dantelion’s lover easily hauling him to his feet. Demetrius’ warm hand proceeded to brush the loose dirt off Dantelion’s sore back, gentle and affectionate.

“My love, you are mistaken. I do not praise you with nefarious means. I will have nothing less than your best when we spar.” Dantelion mused as he twisted to catch his lover’s wrist, slyly bringing Demetrius’ hand up in order to softly press a kiss against the other Spartan’s scarred knuckles. Demetrius’ eyes darkened with thinly veiled lust and Dantelion tongue involuntarily licked over his lips, chasing the taste of his lover and drawing the other man’s intense gaze to his grinning mouth.

“Such pretty words, fearsome warrior. It’s a shame I have to interrupt.” A familiar and welcome voice interrupted their quiet moment, the two men turning to face the messenger’s knowing smile in tandem. “Ah, Janus! What brings you to us this fine morn?” Dantelion released his lover’s limb, which limply fell back to the man’s side. Demetrius shifted closer to him with a low rumble of discontent at the loss of contact, their shoulders brushing with each inhale.

“Your Queen seeks an audience with you. Both of you.” Janus dutifully relayed, restlessly shifting his weight from foot to foot. The lithe man was never once still, and certainly not quiet, not even when he was supposed to be. “And what of our King?” Demetrius questioned, his voice having dropped into a rough growl that all but dripped with authority. Dantelion repressed a shiver at the dangerous tone, but if the way that Janus’ immaculate brow arched was any indication, he had not hidden his carnal hunger for his other half all that well.

“He has gone to consult the prophet.” The messenger sounded unbothered by the information he was passing along, the lack of panic more than enough to assuage the two warriors. “Is Sparta facing the threat of war?” Dantelion pondered aloud, excitement building in his chest as the thirst to let steel sing surged through his body. It had been a good while since he had been to battle. He missed the smell of their enemies blood and craved to once again rise above, tasting the sweetness of a well-earned victory.

“I do not know.” Janus now sounded a bit more wary, he never did like having a lack of knowledge, which made him a fine messenger. Demetrius made a thoughtful noise before moving to collect the pair of crimson cloaks that they had set aside. Dantelion took his with a quiet word of appreciation and pulled it on before motioning for Janus to lead the way. “Then I suppose we shall find out together then.” He gave the messenger a wide smile and Janus returned the gesture with open gratitude.

Janus was happy enough to lead the two of them through the interwoven streets, past vendors and shoppers alike that all greeted them with respectful nods, the pair accepting their peoples awe with a gracious bow of their heads. “Katia is with the council. I am to collect the King next, give her my regards and let her know that I shall return shortly.” Janus motioned toward the large marble gazebo where many voices could be heard over the general bustle of the citizens, Demetrius pulling a face at the mere thought of entering.

“As you wish.” Demetrius reluctantly conceded and -with one last farewell- Janus dashed off toward the waterfall, where the prophet was known to reside until called upon for war. Dantelion turned his attention to the lively council meeting with a resigned sigh. “Prepare yourself, my love.” He warned before moving past the textured pillar that had been hiding the pair from view and into the frenzy of power-hungry men who dared question the Queen’s authority, despite the fact that she had proven herself a worthy leader time and time again.

“I’m not wasting my breath a second time, Iasonas. We wait for the King's decision to settle this dispute. I’ve already sent for him.” Katia’s voice rose above the ruckus, which immediately quieted upon hearing her declaration. “You only insist upon such tactics because the King has been seduced by your silver tongue. He has yet to go against your inferior inclinations.” Iasonas -the snake- piped in, always eager to try and usurp the Queen’s respected position on the council with his slimy words.

“Then perhaps you should come up with more convincing reasoning, Iasonas.” Katia retorted primly, keeping a level head in the face of the coward’s cunning mockery. If given the chance, Dantelion would gladly let the slippery serpent’s face become well acquainted with his fist. Dantelion’s attention was snagged when Ryo stepped out of a dark corner, his unsettling burgundy gaze locked on them as he leaned down to whisper something in the Queen’s ear, whatever he said making her perk up and turn to welcome the two Spartan soldiers.

“Dantelion, Demetrius. I am thankful for your timely arrival. Come, I invite you to join the debate.” Katia waved them closer, the two men obediently heeding her instruction and moving to stand on her left. “The likes of strategy and philosophy are lost on Sparta’s current generation of warriors. They have little to muse over other than killing.” Iasonas scoffed, dark eyes flicking between Hector and Katia with such blatant disgust that it even made the usually aloof Demetrius bristle and aim a steely glare at the man that insisted on testing the Queen’s patience.

“Such blasphemous words, Iasonas. I believed you more careful than that, or have you forgotten that your King is among the generation of warriors you so foolishly insult.” Katia didn’t even turn as she spoke, the implied accusation of where the snake’s loyalties lay bringing a hush to the room. “Well...my King is excluded from such slander of course.” Iasonas spluttered, reeling from the Queen’s incriminating comment. It was spiritually satisfying to see the man finally falter and inadvertently show a glimpse of his true nature.

“Of course.” Katia agreed easily, but there was a knowing gleam in her sterling gray eyes that made the bastard’s face turn an unattractive red. Whether it was from rage at her obvious amusement or humiliation at being bested yet again, Dantelion didn’t know. “He embarrasses himself every time he opens his mouth. One might think that he would have learned to keep it shut by now. But alas, idiocy prevails.” Dantelion muttered to Demetrius, keeping his voice low so as to avoid any unwelcome listeners, and his lover huffed in agreement.

“The King has arrived.” Janus announced suddenly, his musical voice swallowing the room as he stepped into the artful gazebo with Kainan and Hector right on his heels. “Ah, splendid. I require your judgment.” Katia greeted, extending a deceptively delicate-looking hand to her partner, who took it and allowed himself to be guided to his Queen’s side. “You have my interest, Katia. What do you propose?” Kainan hummed, honey brown eyes sweeping over each occupant until his unimpressed gaze finally settled on Iasonas.

“First, I wish to know what Gael had to say.” Katia prompted, regaining the King’s attention, one of the man’s immaculate red brows rising at the abrupt change of subject. When the Queen gave him no clues about what she was planning, Kainan obliged his partner’s whims with a smirk, amusement making his eyes glitter an enchanting gold. “Very well. He told me that the lack of healthy crops is not a coming famine. The Gods are still pleased with Sparta and hold no ill will toward its people.” Kainan apprised with a prideful tone.

Many council members and soldiers alike relaxed, grateful that their lack of edible food was not born of their Gods’ wrath. “So it has nothing to do with the invaders pushing into our lands from the South?” Katia prompted sweetly, a subtle smile pulling at the corners of her mouth as she stared expectantly at the King. As Kainan considered the inquiry, Iasonas broke the curious silence that had descended over the room. “We cannot possibly know-”

“Gael had nothing to say about the scouts at our borders, no.” Kainan smoothly interrupted the other man and his nonsensical remark, instead allowing Katia to finish laying out her proposition. The snake floundered hilariously under the King’s indifference and Dantelion had to suppress the impulse to laugh as the bastard struggled to regain his footing. “My King, please consider-” Iasonas attempted to gain the King’s favor, but was once again disregarded as Katia unrepentantly spoke over him.

“So do you think it would be best to send your finest in order to act as a representative of Sparta and yourself in order to find out what their intentions may be?” The Queen proposed at last, offering her input in such a logical way that even Dantelion was inclined to agree with her without having been present during the majority of the discussion or even hearing any other opinions on the matter. As expected, the King agreed with a nod that had Katia preening at yet another diplomatic success.

“That would be wise, but I shall meet them with my personal counsel instead.” Kainan’s statement was met with an uproar of protest, Dantelion’s younger brother being the loudest. “My King, I must advise against-” Sámouelson’s objection -along with everyone else's- was swiftly silenced when the King held up a staying hand. “I won’t be alone, my loyal Sámouelson. I shall ask Romanos, Hector, Dantelion, Demetrius and Lazarus if they wish to accompany me.” Kainan appeased the council before turning his focus onto two of the mentioned warriors.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all of your men when I say that any one of us would be honored to escort you, my King.” Dantelion kneeled and Demetrius, Hector, and Ryo attested to their fellow Spartan’s claim by immediately mirroring the action. “Then we ride out at midday. Ready the horses and notify the others I asked after. Katia, let us go and enjoy the morn while we have it.” Kainan sounded quite pleased with how things had turned out, motioning for the warriors to rise before turning his back to the council.

“I’d be glad to rid myself of such serious matters, Kainan.” Katia sighed, her stiff and regal posture relenting now that the King had made it clear that the subject was closed to any further discussion. Ryo and Hector was the King and Queen’s diligent shadows as they silently followed the pair out of the gazebo and into the bustling market beyond, Dantelion taking the swift exit of their rulers as his own cue to head back to his and Demetrius’ dwelling and prepare for the journey ahead.

“Come, my love. Let us gather what we need from the house. And while we’re there, we might as well put the bed to good use.” Dantelion delighted in the flush that rapidly colored his lover’s skin from the neck down, which contrasted the disapproving frown on Demetrius’ handsomely roguish features. “Dante, we are in clear view of far too many people and I wish to keep our private matters private.” Demetrius hissed, but one look down confirmed that the man was very much interested in Dantelion’s suggestion of how they might pass the time.