THE BLOOD ZODIAC RP
Chapter One: A Kingdom Divided
Princess Aries Aleya sat quietly in the court yard of the castle of Mellinia. She took sips from a large black gauntlet. She watched as yellow and orange butterflies fluttered around a gigantic rose bush.
“Beautiful, aren’t they?” asked a soft voice. Aries shivered and turned to see who had spoken, even though she already knew. Her eyes narrowed.
“Hello, Artemis. What do you want?” Aries hissed at her mischievous and devious little sister.
Artemis skipped over to the bench Aries was sitting on and sat down. “Oh, nothing. I just wanted to check up on my older sister…is that so evil?” Artemis stated with a smirk.
Aries stared at her briefly and then stood up. “It depends on what you are checking up on me for. The queen sent you, didn’t she?”
Artemis laughed and nodded. “she is your sister and she misses you.”
Aries clenched her fists. “Tell your queen that she needs to care less about me. Tell your queen she is going to burn in hell for the way she rules her country.”
Artemis’s face turned blood red. She jumped from the bench and stood closely to Aries. “Bite your tongue, Princess Aries. You may be our blood, but Queen Apollo would drain yours from your neck if she wanted to.”
Aries grinned and shook her head. “You forget, sister, I can ruin her. I can ruin you. I am family and I know the darkest of secrets in the Aleya family.”
Artemis exhaled. “You would be ruining yourself. You dare not.”
Aries turned and began to walk away.
“You don’t just walk away! Where are you going?” Artemis screamed at her sister.
Aries paused and looked back at her sister. “I am going to destroy the chaos of this country. I am going to destroy the queen. And I do not care who knows this.”
Artemis cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at her sister: “Long live your queen. Long live my queen. Long live the queen of Mellinia.”
“My Queen, how pleasant to see you.” stated a servant as the queen passed by on her way to sit at her throne overlooking the court yard..
Queen Apollo laughed as one of her guards seized the man.
“Your lips are to be cut off for speaking to the Queen without permission.” said the guard, dragging the disgruntled and screaming servant to the dungeon of the castle.
After the queen watched the servant be carried away, she sat at her throne and looked out into the courtyard. she squinted her eyes and saw her youngest sister, Artemis.
Lady Apollmyi tilted her head a little to the right. She adjusted the material over her dress and shifted a little more. She was, as always standing tot he right of her Queen. Her friend. She narrowed her eyes at the Queen's sister. She smirked softly and then went right back to her straight face shortly. She had nothing to say. Unless spoken to. As the servent was hualed away and grinned thinking.
Better you lips then your ass. She wondered where her lovely cousin was. She rolled her eyes.
Off with another whore She thought. She glanced at her Queen then back tot he sister. Stareing clearly.
Lady Medea Thanatos turned slightly looking over her shoulder at the servant being dragged away, before turning to look back at the courtyard so no one would see the dark smirk twisting her tanned features.
Better off with your lips then to be shaved in other, more important places,whore.She thought absently listening to the servant be dragged away. While she wasn't usually bloodthristy, annoyances this early in her day tended to make her sarcastic and cruel to the poor unfortunate fools who came to the queen's attention.Even if she didn't speak out loud, she thought about what she would say if she had leave to say it. As it stood, she only spoke if spoken to.
The queen turned to Lady Apollmyi after watching her youngest sister leave the court yard. "I do not know what I am going to do about Aries. Artemis plays a good part in spying on her for me, but that isn't enough to figure her out." The queen then turned to face Lady Medea. "I am contemplating having her killed...but then.." she paused as she thought. "Then, I would be losing a challenge. Letting her live is much more fun. I love to watch her disappointment towards the death of all of these pathetic people. Besides, if I want her dead, I will just kill her myself."
Medea smiled slightly turning to face her queen."Let her live."She shrugged."Let her live long enough to be a true challenge, to truly think she has a chance at succeding in her riddculous rebellion, then have her killed."She said.
"Then agian my Queen." Apollmyi said very softly looking out over the others. "You kill her now. You save a headach later. But." SHe added and then looked to her Queen. 'You will have to kill the other sister. And she is far to much fun to dispose of. Don't you think?" she asked and smirked softly folding her hands over her long deep blue gown. Silver trim that accented her youth and curves. She spotted her cousin finally and rolled her eyes. Courting Jane, disgraceful.
Aries walked aimlessly through the streets of the city Landoraa, the busiest city in Mellinia. she had to wear a large hooded coat so that the people wouldn't recoginize her as the princess.
Lord Jason Thanatos watched the princess from a safe distance, half heartedly trailing her, seeing where she would go. Curious about the woman who annoyed his wife so much. Having not spent much time with the princess, he followed to see what she would do with her time.
Queen Apollo looked at Apollmyi with a grin. "Actually, I belive Artemis will make a great queen one day...if she gets the chance. I intend on being the queen for a very long time."
As soon as the queen finished that statement, Artemis came hopping into the throne room. she bowed and walked up to her eldest sister. "Aries wandered off into the city again. My dear queen, something must be done. she has threatened us." Artemis whined.
The queen looked at Medea and Apollmyi and then turned her gaze back to Artemis. "we will think of something. My ladies and I will discuss this."
Artemis frowned. "But sister, my queen, I can fight her. I am brave."
Apollo grinned and turned her head to Apollmyi. "what do you think, Apollymi, should we include her in our debate?"
Meadeameanwhil
e had lost interest in the conversation concerning the fate of the realm, more focused on the man flaunting his latest conquest. Apollmyi's cousin Apostolos wasa tactful whore,faunting his conquests in everyone's faces, yet he had women by the dozens panting after him. And she had to admit she was one of the ones who couldnt help but stare after him.
"I still believe her to be to young." Apollmyi stated and looked the youngest sister over and looked away. "Far to young." She added and then nudged Medea. "Pay attetion." She muttered. "Stop that. Your married." She said and then smiled to Apollo. "However. You can contuine to keep a close eye on her for us. Cause." She said as he lowered herself down to the younger lady's level. "If anything were to happen, which it shall not. You need to be strong and alive." She stated then stood up and smiled at her. A motherly of the sort, kinda of smile.
Artemis frowned slightly. "Don't underestimate me! I can fight and be just as clever as you." she hissed, folding her arms.
Queen Apollo looked at her sister in annoyance. "Go now, Artemis." she demanded as Artemis walked out of the throne room.
Medea snorted laughing a little at the princess, before rubbing her side where Apollmyi elbowed her."Stop it."she muttered,going back to paying attention to the fools that followed Apostolos like the plague.
Apollmyi rolled her eyes. "Don't be fooled by his good looks and charm." She said softly and then stepped back to the right side of her Queen. She shifted a bit and swollowed hard. Watching him made her sick. Till he got up and left with her. She shuttered on the inside. Forty-eight. And counting. She thought softly as he disapeared.
Aries sat down in an alley, resting her back against the wall of a building. she sat silently, in thought. But it wasn't too long before she felt the eery feeling that someone was watching her. Then she stood up and looked around the alley, clenching her fists. "show yourself now!" she demanded.
Jason soon enough melted out of the shadows, studying the princess's face."It took you long enough to notice your highness."he said with a slight bow of a born courtier, before raising.
Aries sighed in relief. "I do not enjoy being followed." she hissed, sitting back down. "You look familiar. Have we met before?" she asked.
Jason tilted his head, "Jason thanatos. You might know my wife, Medea thanatos, she's a lady in waiting to your sister."he said studying the girl-woman in front of him.
Queen Apollo narrowed her eyes at Medea. "Don't involve yourself emotionally to those in my court." she growled, jealous of Apostolos's attention. Apollo stood up from her throne. "Come ladies, we are going to go talk to the bishop in the city. I heard he was preaching against me." she grinned, planning the bishop's demise in her mind.
Medea snorted slightly looking at her queen,before bowing her head respectively."I am already married to the man I want. I just find it amusing to watch what new thing he comes up with."she said before grinning."A bishop you say?They always scream the loudest..."She said absently.
The queen nodded as she walked down the steps towards the entrance of the castle. "Lets see what happens when his God is no where to be found."
Apollymi feel into step right behind her Queen Apollo. She rolled her eyes at Medea's comment. "I also hear they bleed the most." She added and then smiled. She loved being in the Queen's good graces. She worked very hard to get there. Her cousin. SHe could almost kill. Had he not supported the Queen, that is. She smiled as she walked.
Medea followed, walking next to Apollmyi,almost reading her thoughts. As if the woman hadn't voiced her dislike for her cousins playboy ways in the past."They probably do."she said thoughtfully as she followed.
Aries stood again. "Ah, Medea. A strong willed yet evil woman." she said, looking at Jason. Then she gasped slightly. "Forgive me for calling her evil, but like the queen she is ruining the country with her negative input."
Jason laughed,a little off put,but amused at her brashness."Do not worry child. I tell her she's evil on a regular basis."he said. "It's one of our favorite insults to sling at each other."
Aries's eyebrows rose and then fell. "You are from the kingdom, I don't think I should even be speaking to you...but, I do not sense danger."
Jason smirked a little."You don't know me and my wife very well do you?"he asked,but didn't wait for a answer."My wife chose one side of this fight, I'm choosing the other."
Artemis watched the queen and her ladies leave the castle as she sat in the tallest tower's window. "I will make a great queen. I will rule this country with a hand thats even more firm than that of Apollo." she whispered to herself.
Down far below the tower, The Queen lead her ladies to three white horses. A knight helped lift the ladies onto the horses. The queen looked to the knight. "Gather the knights, we are going to go burn down the church. You are to capture the bishop." she demanded. The knight nodded, bowed and swiftly left to gather his troops.
Medea watched the activity, privately fascinated on how fast the army could gather. If only her husband could stand to fight. She'd give anything to see him in a uniform of some kind.
An army of about thirty men came from behind the castle in less than five minutes. The sat on black horses, the armor shined. "My Queen!" stated a highest ranking knight as his horse trotted up to her. "My men and I will destroy the entire city at your command. Our kingdom will not stand for blasphemy. If you wish, we will bring you the head of every man, woman, and child who attended the bishop's church."
The Queen stared at the knight for a brief moment before she sighed. "Must I even ask? Do what you wish to the people."
The knight nodded. "what city do you wish to eliminate?"
The Queen growled slightly. "Must I tell you everything? You were appointed to be in your position for a reason. But, if I must, it is the city of Landoraa."
Apollymi shifted a bit, staring downt the knights. They really were ignarant and dumb sometimes. But they served her well. And that for one was all that really mattered. Most of the time anyway. She shifted her weight form her left foot her her right as she linked her fingers together over her dress.
Aries went to speak but suddenly became silent as a cold shiver ran down her spine. she walked towards the entrance of the alley to see families passing by and looking at various things in the city market. "...something doesn't feel right." she said alloud to Jason.
Jason frowned as he tensed, turning to look at the city,"Come princess.We must leave.Now."he said with the tense stance of a man who would if she refused just pick her up and carry her. Something was wrong and he had no itention of being there when it broke.
"No, I am not leaving." Aries said, backing away from Jason. "I-"
Aries was interrupted by the sound of a horse snorting. she turned and gasped in shock to see Apollo standing at the entrance of the alley, staring at her."
"I had a hunch that I would find you here." Apollo hissed. "Leave now our you will share the fate of this city."
Jason bowed his head slightly, both in respect to the queen and his wife who was smirking darkly at him. Moving slightly, he placed himself between the queen ad Aries, just enough that they'd have to hurt him to get to her,but still allowing Aries to see her sister."Come lady Aries. We must be going."He said stepping back, wanting to force her away from her sister, offering a nod to Medea, silently saying she'd won this round,but he'd be back for another.
Medea watcheed with bored innocence at the sight of her husband and the queen's sister. If she didn't know he liked picking fights instead of younger girls, she might be worried.But as it stood, she knew he was just being annoying.
Aries growled, trying to get around Jason. "Leave this city alone, Apollo. Just because they don't see you as the perfect queen doesn't mean you can come here and tear their lives apart!" she screamed.
Apollo chuckled. "You are naive, little Aries, I am their life. I am their God. I choose if they get to see another day and it just so happens that they've run out of luck." she hissed before she turned the horse around and left with a gallop. "Come my ladies and my knights, this is a dark day of Landoraa."
"No!!" Aries shouted, practically jumping past Jason, pulling out her daggers.
"It is a very dark day my lady."Medea smiled slightly watching Aries start towards the queen. Kneeing her horse to follow after her lady.
Jason grabbed Aries's arm, swinging her around, setting his feet to keep her from following."Don't make me toss you over my shoulder and carry you out."he threatened.
Apollo rode into the market place, her horse running over stands of fruit and vegetables. "People of Landoraa, today you will pay for your sins against my reign!" she shouted at the terrified townspeople as a knight handed her a lit torch. "You will wish that you had never uttered a word against me!" Apollo then threw the torch ontop of a straw rooftop of a home. The knights all threw there torches ontop of houses as well. People screamed and scurried. Apollo laughed in amusement.
Aries yanked her arm from Jason. Tears welded up in her eyes. "If you will not stop this madness, someone must. I must! I can not watch another city be destroyed because of Apollo's lust for infamy. My father, King Zaues ruled this country with honor and fairness. And Apollo has done a magnificant job at obliterating everything my father stood for!"
Jason snarled wordlessly at her, frowning hard. "And you will attack her now?Surrounded by her knights and apollmyi and medea? People who'd lay down their lives to make sure you didn't succeed.You'd be destroyed, little girl, and every hope for the people you declare you care about would die with you."
Aries stared at him, wiping the tears away. "I admit, I will need some help with this because I can not do it alone." she whispered. "But, I can not ask for your help...due to the fact that you are married to Medea and I am going to kill her as well as Apollmyi and the godforsaken queen." she said in raspy, angry voice.
Jason twitched,"I wont let you kill Medea or Apollmyi, but I will help you end your sister's rule."he said, studying her. Willing her to take the chance, since it was probably the best one she'd find. And since he was married to Medea, he could help her get places others could not.
Apollmyi rode up to her Queen and leaned in a little. "Best he be moving." She said. "We don't need of of these....creatures trying anything stupid agiant you. Now do we?" She asked. "I would feel better if my closest and dearest friend was safe from harm and stupity." She added and then smiled. "Plus. We wont have to smell it." She added, as she looked around.
Apollo laughed heartily with evil glistening in her eyes. "Ah, but Apollmyi, the scent is like a beautiful perfume slowly covering the earth. Its the smell of revenge!"
"Nooo!" cried the bishop as a knight brought him to Apollo. Apollo looked down at him and smirked. "You are a monster, Apollo, you take innocent lives and innocent souls just to add them to your collection you've built up since your reign and the murder of your father!" The bishop cried, being held down by two knights.
Apollo narrowed her eyes. "Take him back to the castle and throw him in the dungeon.." she ordered the knights. "But first...tear this city down!" she screamed chaotically, then nodding towards Apollmyi and Medea so that they would follow her back to the castle. And she rode off.
"Of course my Queen." Apollmyi said and then heeled her horse as she then took off to catch up to her. She caught up then slowled Blaze to a trot as they walked away from the fire and the screams of others. That she would handle. The smell. It had always made her sick to her stomach.
Medea's stomach twisted into a knot at the screams,as she kneed her horse catching up with apollmyi and apollo. Always disturbed at the sound of innocents dying.But yet, she let it happen. Absentlly thinking about something Jason had once told her.All evil needs to flourish is for good men to do nothing.Yet,because the queen was her friend,she would continue to do nothing.
Aries sighed, knowing that Jason would be important and useful to her. "This city is doomed. I can not save it...but I can not allow this to happen anymore. You will come back with me to the castle." she told him as she walked out of the alley. Fire was blazing everywhere around them. "Be careful and stay with me." she demanded as she began to run as fast as she could.
Jason ran after her, long legged and agile he followed after her, and when they got to the castle he paused at the gates lookign back at the city burning. Screams and fire filled the air, mmaking the older man sick to his stomach.
Aries could tell how Jason felt by the pale look in his eyes. "I know, it is cruel, terrible and nightmarish.. but we will find a way to stop this." she told him as they began to walk through the court yard.
"ZZzpppp" something darted towards Aries, but Aries, being very 'in tune' with things around her, dodged the flying object. Once she had gotten backto her feet, she looked ahead to see Artemis holding a crossbow. "welcome home, sister." she said with an evil grin.
Jason moved closer, not exactly Aries from her sister, but close enough to stop artemis from attacking her...or at least he hoped he could."Lady Artemis, have you not heard its rude to shoot someone for just coming home?"He said,though even to his ears he sounded mocking.
Artemis lowered her bow and looked Jason over. There is something about Artemis one must understand...she takes most things offensively if she feels a negative vibe. "Lord Jason, have you not heard that it is unwise to belittle a future princess of your kingdom while she is still young? I do not think it is polite to question how I welcome my traitor of a sister home." she growled.
Aries stared at Artemis briefly before she trotted up to her and grabbed her crossbow. "And what you must realize, my dear Artemis Emerila Aleya, is that I will be queen before you even finish puberty." and with that she snapped the large crossbow into two pieces and threw it at her sisters feet. she had just done something that defied the normal laws of physics for a thin 19 year old girl.Artemis's face turned beat red. "You are done for, Aries. You are done for." she screamed, darting back into the castle.
Jason shook his head watching the princess go, before looking at the one he was standing with."Must you piss off both of your sisters at once?It's bad enough apollo's out for blood, we dont need artemis chasing us."
Queen Apollo unmounted from her horse slowly. As soon as her feet were planted back onto the ground, she turned to her horse a gently stroked its' face. "Medea, I must ask you something." The horse made a small noise, as if it sensed Apollos evil. "It is about your husband... Lord Jason." she said queitly.
Medea frowned a little sliding out of the saddle before walking around her horse to look at her queen."What about him?"She said,her stomach tightening. There was nothing she wouldn't do to protect jason,but in this fight, he might be costing her everything.
Apollmyi slipped from her house and patted her head softly and scratched softy at her ears. She loved her horse. No rules. She glanced over to her Queen and friend. Kinda listening to what is being said. But mostly minding her own.
Apollo looked Medea in the eye and asked her "Do you not think that Lord Jason could be a threat to us. He clearly has no respect for my stance. Yes, I have seen and I have heard your squabbles with him dealing with the division of my kingdom."
Medea paled a little before shaking her head."If he was truly a threat to you my queen, he wouldn't have shown his hand this early."She said sure of her answer,knowing it to be true as far as she knew."Jason likes playing games. The longer they go on, the more he likes them. You're safe from him, he wouldn't have let us know he's playing if he truly intended on doing something my queen."She sighed.
Aries clinched her teeth. "Artemis only wants to impress Apollo, but what she doesn't realize is that she is nothing but a pawn in Apollo's little game."
Jason shook his head,turning a little to watch his wife and the queen talk in the stable ard. Nudging Aries towards the castle doors."Let's get some food."He said.
Aries growled. "How could you eat after just seeing what happened to that city?! I swear..." she sulked.
"I'm male. We eat all the time."Jason laughed a little,pushing her towards the door."Also, I want to see how the other nobles are handling apollo's most recent attack....there may be others in court willing to help you."He said.
Apollo nodded, half-heartedly believing her. "Alright then. But..if something happens and it is his doing...there will be consequences, friend or not. I can not allow this disease called betrayl to spread any further than it already has.."
Medea's eyebrows wrinkled together. "If he does betray you, I'll be weilding the knife that ends his life."she said watching her husband from across the yard.
Apollymi looked over. It was times like that, that she was glad she wasn't married. She wanted to be on the same side. She was thankfull her cousin was. As much as a whore as he was. She was glad she didn't have to end his life too. She looked down, shifted a bit and then went back to paying attetion to her horse. The beauty she was.
Apollo nodded. "Very well then." she stated as she turned around to walk back to the castle. "Come ladies, we will feast tonight."
Medea sighed softly,her whole body relaxing as she followed Apollo into the castle. For now, jason was safe. That's all she cared about for the given moment.
"You just got lucky." Apollymi whispered as she walked past Medea. She smiled then fell into step with her Queen. On the right side, she flattend her dress a little from the ride and grinned.
Aries nodded. "Okay okay, I'm going." she grunted as he pushed her. "And we will talk to the other nobles...but we must be careful..Apollo can not know that we are planning something."
Jason nodded."I'm not a idiot."he said walking with her, using his shoulder to push open the feast hall door.
Aries narrowed her eyes. "I never said you were an idiot, I was just stating the obvious!" she griped.
Jason smiled making his way towards his seat. "Go, behave. I have things to discuss with my wife."He said, making his way to the queens table, bowing to the lady,"My queen, my I join you for dinner?"He asked,glancing at his qife then the queen again.
Apollo sat down at the head of a large table full of all sorts of foods and drinks, including wine. Apollo lifted a gauntlet full of wine to her lips and drank. "Enjoy this feast my ladies, for tonight, we will plan my full revenge!"
Medea studied Jason as she sat down, a tight knot easing in her stomach now that she could look at him, assure herself that he was safe, for the moment at least.
Apollo paused briefly, looking him up and down before she gave a small nod. "Its nice to see you, Lord Jason. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing your face much around the palace. Tell me, what are your interests these days?" she asked in cold voice.
Aries took her seat at the opposite end of the table. she looked towards Artemis's seat and saw that it was empty. she didn't think much of it, just that her annoying little sister was off killing poor animals or something of that nature.
But, like clockwork, Artemis casually strolled into the dining hall. As she walked past Apollo, she stopped beside Apollmyi's chair. she grinned evilly. "I am sorry I was late. But, I couldn't help but stare at your cousin, Lady Apollmyi." she said sarcasticly
"Everyone stares at Apostolos, Lady Artemis. I'm surprised anyone got to dinner on time, since he so enjoys the attention. Were you providing him with his dinner entertainment?"Medea said as she glanced at the young princess as Jason sat next to her, kissing her head.
Jason smiled at his queen."This and that. Blackmailing nobles, torturing kittens. My usual daily habits."He said.
Artemis laughed heartily. After her laughter subsided, she paused. "well, he should come here, shouldn't he?"
Aries grunted and rolled her eyes, annoyed at Artemis's questions.
The Queen smiled at Jason. "well, we all have our hobbies." she said, then turning to Apollmyi and Medea. "she is right, where is that man?"
Apollmyi blinked and looked to a shaded corner and shook her head. She looked back to her Queen and smiled. "He's on his way." She announced to everyone. "He'll be here shortly." She added. "Him and all his ego." She then muttered. She started to say something else but was introuped.
"Oh my goodness. They wont keep their hands off me." Apostolos announced as he walked up. He straighted out his hair and walked over to the Queen's side. He bowed and lowered himself to one knee and then smiled as he looked up at her. It was the same sweet, loyal smile that he gave to his cousin on a daily basis. He reached out, took her hand and kissed the back of it softly. "my Queen. I am terrably sorry I am late. Please forgive me." He said then smirked softly at her. Waiting. Kneeling.
Medea snorted laughing. He really could be a charmer when he tried. Which most of the court could testify to...at least the female half of it.
The queen grinned. "Rise and take your seat." she said without emotion. she then rose her gauntlet in the air. she smirked and flicked her eyes to Aries who sat as though she were strapped to her chair. "I give a toast to my progress in teaching this country manners. I give a toast to my reign!"
Aries narrowed her eyes, her heart began to beat faster in anger.
Artemis rose her gauntlet in the air as well. "Here, here!" she cheered, eying Aries as well.
Jake and Carly entered five minutes after the toast, "Sorry we're late your highness, there was an emergency that we had to take care of while on our way here." Jake said as he and Carly both bowed.
Queen Apollo's eyebrows rose. "Take your seats." she ordered. she placed her gauntlet back on the table. "what emergency kept you?" she asked out of curiousity.
Jake and Carly took their seats as Carly answered, "Some old man's five year old granddaughter fell out of a tree and hurt herself, and the old man begged us to help, and Jake sensitive side decided to help the little girl." She said pretending to glare at her brother when she had helped, and was glad, the only person that knew when she was pretending was Aries.
Apollo rolled her eyes. "well, some of us don't know when to worry about the right things. I have a kingdom to put in line. Trees and little girls falling out of them are deffinitely not on my priority list."
Aries looked and Carly and Jake and smiled, as if to say: "You are appreciated for your big heart."
Artemis, like Apollo, rolled her eyes. she turned to Jake. "That is your reasoning for being late. Pfft."
Apostolos nodded seated, raised his glass, winked at her and then down his. He set it down and then sat back agianst the chair. Listening. not paying much attetion to anything. Other then his cousin. ANd his Queen of course. They wee the only true woman in his world.
Apollmyi had raised her, took a simpled drink then sat. She was listening to the talking. But much like her cousin. Wasn't saying or doing anything about it. They were very 'if spoken to' kinda people. It was the way they were raised. To hold their tounge, unless you want it to bite you in the rump later.
Jake looked at Artemis, "I'm sorry m'lady, but little girls are part of the kingdom."
Artemis had the "what did you just say to me?" look on her face. "And so are you...at least for now." she said with a sly grin.
Aries arched an eyebrow. "Bite your tongue, Artemis. I am going to be queen before you, and I know for damn sure that Carly and Jake are going to be key people in this kingdom.
Artemis grunted and stood from her chair. "Do not order me around, Aries. You will never get that crown. And when I am queen, I am going to weed out all of these two-faced people that crawl around this castle!-"
"Enough!" Apollo shouted at her sisters. she then turned to Jake and Carly. "Please see Artemis to her room."
Jake and Carly nodded, "Yes your highness." They said together as they stood and bowed.
Artemis's face went blood red out of anger. "I don't need anyone to take me anywhere! I can walk just fine."
Apollo slammed her hand down on the table. "Leave, Artemis. You are ruining my evening!"
Artemis paused for a second before tears formed in her eyes. "Fine." she hissed. she looked at Jake and Carly with hate in her eyes.
"Should we leave as well your highness?" Carly asked looking at Artemis as she passed.
Artemis grunted. "Lets go." she whined, stomping out of the room.
Aries stared at Apollo, wondering why she herself wasn't sent out.
Medea smiled a little at the queen's middle sister."I'm so glad Artemis's rudeness hasn't rubbed off on you. At least we can have a semi pleasant conversation."
Artemis looked at Carly and Jake as the walked. "so, you are twins?" she asked, only half interested.
"No, I am a year older than Carly." Jake said looking ahead instead of at Artemis.
Carly nodded, "Yes, we do get mistaken for twins often." she said as she looked ahead as well.
Artemis eyed the two siblings. "...I meant what I said about ridding the kingdom of rats." she said coldly. "Aries will plan to stop my decessions from happening.. but her attempts will be in vain."
Aries looked at Medea as if she were a complete stranger. "Or we can atleast pretend that it is pleasant." she said softly.
Apollo settled in her chair and folded her hands together. "I want suggestions as to what to do with that meddlesome bishop."
Medea turned her attention to her queen."Boil in water?...wait, we did that last time. Trapple with horses? Bury him alive,pour honey and leave him to the ants?"She suggested.
Jason made a slight face, but otherwise didn't react to the descriptive torture.
Aries's eye twitched as she clinched her teeth.
Apollo laughed heartily. "Oh, Medea, you should be my leading lady at times!" she said, then turning to Apollmyi. "Tell me leading lady, what should I do?"
Aries abruptly stood up. "This is genocide!" she screamed at Apollo and Medea.
Medea turned to look at her calmly."By definition genocide is
the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group."She frowned a little."We're not doing any of those. We're just wiping out the stupidity from the gene pool."
Apollmyi felt her heart sink to the pit of her stomach. "Well my Queen." SHe said and then swollowed. "I believe that you should do what you feel in your heart is right. But whatever the outcome. I will always be only loyal to you. For you see. I have no...other that would ever come before you." She said and then looked from her Queen to Medea.
Medea curled her lip at her friend, not likin the implication, before sighing. No use picking fights. Not right now at least. Not paying attention anymore,she turned her attention to Apostolos, amused as her husband reacted to her knew found fascination. "And you Lord Apostolos? No input into what we could do to the bishop?"
Aries slumped back into her seat. she did all she could to keep herself from lashing out at Medea. she knew she needed to wait for the right time. But, at this point, she could careless if Jason and Medea were married. she wanted Medea to pay for her part.
Apollo smiled at Apollmyi and raised her glass to her. "And that is why you will always have my trust. You are like the sister that I wish I had." she said laughing. she then turned to Apostolos. "Yes, please, give us your imput." she said, amused.
Apollmyi grinned in victory but covered it with her glass as she sipped her wine. SHe placed it down on the table then looked to ther cousin that was sitting next to her. Waiting for him to speak.
Apostolos sighed, put his fork down and then leaned in and looked to the Queen. "Well. I say we slowly peal the flesh from his body. Asking him where his God is now. And then kill him after his God doesn't show." He said and then nodded to the Queen. "But of course we shall do whatever you feel is right." He said winked at her then went back to the chicken on his plate, savoring the flavor as he licked his lips.
Jason watched Aries, biting his tongue as to not say something to the girl, shuddering a little at the torture Apostolos described.
Medea laughed.Really, there wasn't a better way to make a priest to remember god is not all powerful,and would come to no one's rescue."wonderful."
Apollo nodded in approval. "Your idea is quite delightful, Apostolos. I like it so much that I am appointing you for the job." she said, smirking. Oh how the queen loved to make such decisions under impulse. "You will do this for us as after-dinner entertainment. I do not think you should have to touch the bishop...thats what my lower knights are for. But you will be the one to pry his love for God right out of him."
Aries looked at Apostolos in horror and then she turned her head to Jason. Her eyes pleaded for his help. she couldn't let this happen. ..They couldn't let this happen.
"I will be delited to." Apostolos said as he popped a peice of fruit into his mouth and looked away from the Queen. He swore he didn't care for her. But deep down. He and his cousin knew the truth. He shifted a bit. Thinking about how to go about it. Grinning as a few idea came into his mind.
Apollmyi smiled and as eht pit of her stomach twisted into a knot. SHe hated it when he said things that he would know she would have him the center of attetion. She feared for him sometimes. And this was one of those times. She knew what his intentions were. But really. Did he have no limits. She sippde her wine agian. covering up her face. Replacing it with that soft smile as she went back to her meal.
Jason swallowed. Of all the things. Aries wanted him to help. And he didn't want to face off against his wife, queen, and friend all at once. Surely there was a way to please everyone.
Medea watched everyone, not sure what to think. Her stomach tightening at the thought of the torture to come,but not willing to stop it. She really did care for her queen. If her queen was happy, then she was going to let her have her fun,not that she could stop her.
"Ah, then it is settled." Apollo said, taking a gulp of wine. she was on her fourth glass. The queen was not only an evil and vindictive ruler. she was also a big fan of alcohol. Queen Apollo was a lush. "we will enjoy this evening and tomorrow, we will continue in our progress of delivering this country from false gods. I am the only almighty!" she said proudly, in her drunkeness.
Aries shook her head in shame. she stood from the table. she eyed Jason and nodded her head at him as if he to say: "Follow me."
Jason dipped his head,shaking it slightly.as if to say,"go, I'll follow soon." Having every intention of following,but not wanting to draw attention to the fact that they were leaving together.
Apollymi tried to stay as sober as much as possible. SHe knew her friend's favor to the taste. She looked over at her and sighed softly. "My queen. I think your in need of a bath and a nap." She said and smiled at her drunkennes.
Aries nodded, understanding Jason. she walked out of the dining room and stood in the hall. waiting.
Apollo laughed and staggered up from her chair. "I think you are quite right, Apollmyi." she then fell back into her chair. "Oh, wait, I don't want to get comfortable until we deal with that bishop!"
Medea smiled, as she stood, "How about you make it a private showing my queen? That way you can relax comfortably in your own sitting room,yet still be entertained."She said,watching Jason walk away to talk to nobles around the dining hall, but to focused on apollo to notice when he slipped from the room.
Apollo grinned at Medea. "That sounds like a wonderful idea." she said whimsically. "But first, you and Apollmyi must drink with me!" she uttered.
"Oh my Queen. What about blood spilled on your beautiful new marble." Apollmyi said as she then finished her first glass of wine. SMiling to the servant that refilled it. "I'd hate to see a blood stain on it already." She added. "It's still very shiny and new." She said. Really just wanting to keep her cousing out of the Queen's private chambers.
Medea smiled sipping her wine, raising a eyebrow at her friend. The thought forming about the woman wanting to keep apostolos away from the queen before shrugging.At least it'd be entertaining."Old,new, everything needs a little blood to make it fit in."
Aries ran up to Jason. "Lord Jason, we must go free him." she cried.
Jason tensed a little, looking down at her."You go see if you can get him out. I'll go see about keeping Apostolos distracted."Knowing the man was probably on his way down to the dungeons for his prisoner, if he wasnt there already."Hopefully it'll buy just enough time."
Aries nodded and rushed her way down towards the dungeon.
"Lady Aries." Apostolos said as he then turned the corner and pressed the princess agianst the hall. "May I ask what you are doing down here. WHere it is dirty and we keep the filth?" He asked as he looked her over. She looked mush like her sister. But wasn't the sister he wanted.
"She wanted to meet the man who would be her entertainment. To see if he really was a true believer."Jason's voice came from behind Apostolos, as he moved to stand near him.
Apollo laughed. "Blood, guts, or fresh paint. Its all the same!" Apollo stated with a huge smile on her face. she then paused, the smile dropping from her face. "...where did Aries go?"
Apollmyi looked around. "Oh rats. I hadn't noticed that she got up and left." She said and then looked to Medea. "Where did your husband go off to?" She asked, pointing the attetion to her.
Medea shrugged."Blackmailing others?"She smiled."Annoying people? I don't know. I'm his wife, not his keeper."
"I do not trust him in the castle." Apollmyi said and looked tot he Queen. "After all he doesn't fully support you." She stated. "I say we kick his ass out." She said. "We need to make sure the Queen is completely safe for her to sleep well." She stated and then smiled to Medea. "So why don't you go and find that unfaithfull husband of yours."
Aries had been suprised by Apostolos's sudden appearance and was thankful that Jason had shown up. she regained her composure and looked Apostolos in the eyes. "Yes, I..uh, I wanted to see if you'd uh.. if you'd really go through with such a task." she said, stumbling over her words. As she slowly scooted herself behind Jason.
'This is not any of your business, Princess." Apostolos said and then looked at them both. "Now. Go. Before I really get someone down here with some powere to behead you both." He said, turned on his heels and then contuined to decent down the spirl staircase.
Aries narrowed her eyes in anger. Even though she was ultimately the sweetest of her sisters, she still had the temper of an Aleya. she moved past Jason and began to follow Apostolos, in a rage.
Jason grabbed her arm."Go back upstairs.I'll see to this."He said sighing softly. If one of them was going to get in trouble over this, it might as well be him.The princess was to important to have beheaded.And jason was just another lording in court.
Aries shrugged Jason's hand off of her arm. "No, I will not tolerate his rudeness! And no one will threaten to have me nor you beheaded." she grunted, running faster down the stairs. "I demand that you stop this instant."
"You do not rule me Princess." Apostolos snapped. "Now. Go." He said. "SOmething so pretty that smeels sweelty of the scent of the lilac. Doesn't need to be found down here amoung the rats." He said. "Now. Go. Or I shall tell the queen. Or kill you myself." He stated and then turned as he then started to alk away. He unlocked a door then closed it and locked it back up. He nodded to a guard then walked down the catacomb hall to the end. This was the square room. It was 5x5. No light, nothing. He sighed muttered something then stood in the opend chamber door. "You scum. Are you come with me." He said.
Artemis, hearing the commotion from her room, slowly walked to her door and peaked out. They were much too far for her to see, but she could hear her sister's commanding voice, for it was quite similar to that of Apollo's. she quitely tiptoed to where the noise was coming from.
Aries's eyes became wide. "No!" she screamed as she ran towards the door and began to bang out. The guard standing near the door watched her in amusement. she looked at the guard. "Open this door, right now." she screamed at him. The guard shook his head. "Only under the command of the queen, princess." He uttered coldy. "Damn it!" she screamed, beating on the door in raged.
The bishop looked up at Apostolos in horror at first but slowly stood up. "If it is my time, God...I will go. I will willingly seek your kingdom." The bishop prayed out loud.
Apostolos shook his head, "Shut it with you God shit. The Queen IS your God. And you angered her." He then grabbed his arm and then started to drag/pull him the rest of the way down the hall, and then out the back way. Knowing very well that Aries was waiting at the other end. He opened the door and then drug the man with him. Waiting for the Queens' directions and summons.
The bishop let out soft cries of pain. "Apollo is a false idol that demands people to worship her. she has lulled you into her web of destruction and in the end she will not stop until everything is destroyed...even you." The bishop told him.
Apollo looked at Apollmyi. "I hope Apostolos knows to come into the dining hall with that swine he went to fetch from the dungeon. I really do not feel like getting up." she told her dear friend as she sat comfortably in the throne that was placed in the corner of the huge and beautiful dining room.
"Then save me a seat in hell." Apostolos gruffed out and then pulled him along after a guard nodded at him. He then shoved him out from the curtian then walked out behind him and smiled. "So...bishop. You ready to feel the wrath and pain of the Queen Apollo?" He asked as she circled the man, staring hims down. Hearing the muttering of the girls and layd's of the court. shocked and surprized it was him. "Kelik." He called. "Hold him down and strip him of his outer garments." he said and then leaned down to the floor. "We're going to skin him." He said.
Apollmyi shifted a bit and then watched her cousin move. SHe was glad that it was being held int he dining hall and not her private chambers. For He would tak advantage of that. She settled back and waited, watching. For the most part that was. She hated these kinda things. She rather just cut his head off and head it. Or chop him limb from limb. Then cut his head off. Or cutting the tounge out and leaving it for like a month. that was a nice on. But this. This was the one she hated most.
Apollo grinned with happiness. "Hello, hello bishop!" she said coyly, getting up and walking over to him. The queen could handle herself decently under the influence of alcohol. "I am sorry that this couldn't wait until tomorrow, but I am just so ecited!" she stated, taking a pot of hot tea from a servant. she slowly began to pour it over the bishop's bald head. His clothless skin turned pink and peeled under the heat. He screamed.
"You are nothing!" The bishop screamed at her.
"Tell me I am your queen and God and I will let you live!" she commanded, as a servant brought her a sharp knife. she grabbed the bishop's hand and carved off his thumb. "Tell me I am your queen!"
The bishop screamed and cried out. "N-no!"
The queen carved of his pointer finger. "Tell me I am your queen and God and you will live!" she repeated.
"Please, God! Help me!!!" he prayed in agony.
Apollo carved off his middle finger, she was now drenched in his blood.
"Tell me I am your queen and God.!!" she screamed again.
"I-..." the bishop whispered, turning pale as a ghost.
The queen chopped off his ring finger. "I am growing impatient!" she screamed, blood now covering the majority of her clothes.
Apollo then threw the bloody knife across the dining hall and drew her sword from underneath her cloak. Apollo raised the sword in the air and then drilled the slick blade through the bishop's arm. Blood spewed from him like a fountain, spraying all over the queen. The bishop's body fell limp to the ground.
"Y-You are my queen..a-and my G-God.." he whispered. Apollo smirked and bent down closer to him. "Louder." she demanded.
"You are my queen and God!" he screamed with all the strength he had.
Apollo stood up and put her sword back under her black cloak. "Good." she whispered. she then turned to Apostolos and grinned evilly. "skin him alive." she told him.
The bishop's eyes went wide, but he couldn't move.
Apostolos bowed ver lowe to her and then pulled his dagger from around his waits and then twisted it around in his finger and then grinned. "Gladly." he said and then smiled as he grabbed the Bishop's hand and then ready the dager to stare hacking away at the very flesh that was on his hand.
"My Queen." Apollmyi said as she sat ther Queen walk back around. "You are covered. Oh that is not a look that appeals to you." She said and looked her over. "We shall watch a little and then leave. Get you into a nice warmed bath." She said. "I don't want you covered in that beast's blood longer then need be." She said and then glaced to her cousin as he then started to hack away at the flesh on the bishops hand, then arm, then shoulder.
The bishop cried out in terror and immense pain.
"stop!!!" cried a voice from the entry way of the dining hall. It was Aries, she had dashed through the back way to the dining hall as fast as she could, not even letting Jason know where she went. she gasped in horror at the blood that pooled and covered the marble floor of the dining hall. she looked at the bleeding and dying bishop. she then turned to see Apollo, covered in the bishop's blood. she quickly drew one of her daggers and hurled it at a precise angle to where it cut across Apostolos's cheek, leaving a small gash.
Apollo's eyes widened and then narrowed at her sister. "You do not come here and interrupt our business. And you certainly do NOT throw daggers at anyone in my court!" Apollo hissed, shifting into a fight like stance.
Aries looked at her sister and then to Apostolos. "Drop your dagger." Aries said in soft, yet demanding voice.
Apostolos dropped the bishop's hand and then shifted a bit, turned his foot then leaped at the princess. He then had her pinned tot he floor, his dagger at her throat. "Breath the wrong words little princess. And I will cut you." He said. He felt the blood fall down his face and then drip onto her cheek. He waited for farther command and such as he put his full body weight agianst her. He would not let her come and run his Queen's fun.
Aries's body tensed and then ached in pain at Apostolos's body weight, as she was a very light girl.
Apollo laughed. "You are so headstrong, Aries. You make the wrong decisions too often!" she said, still laughing. she sighed after her bout of laughter. "Release her, Apostolos. she can't do anything else. she is out numbered and completely out ranked at my command." she said, amused. "But it is a shame that she cut your pretty face." Apollo said sarcastically to Apostolos. "Tell you what Apostolos, we will continue the skinning of this swine in my quarters after I take a bath. Come, Apollmyi." she said. she then turned to the on-looking servants. "I want this floor cleaned up before breakfast tomorrow." she ordered. They nodded in compliance. The queen headed to the door and left.
Apostolos nodded and then got up from being above her. He then bowed and nodded to his Queen. He then started to yell and bark commands getting servants ready to transfer the bishop toher private chambers.
Apollmyi was right behind her. "Of course. She stopped only to tell those to draw her a bath and heat it up. Sge then feel right back into step with her Queen as they then started to walk down the hall. She was sure on the inside he was jumping for joy at the thought of being allowled in her private chambers.
"Thank you, Apollmyi." she told her. "I do wonder where that husband of Medea's went." she said randomly.
"Of course. Anything for you, my Lady." Apollmyi said softly as she them smiled to her. She just walked next to her. As the room got closer she opened the door for her and then followed after her into it. "Let me help the Lady out of those blood stained gowns." She said and then walked around her back and started to unlace her back.
Aries pulled herself up to all fours, grabbing her dagger and putting it in its sheath. she stared at the dying bishop and slowly crawled over to him. Her eyes formed tears that slowly began to drip down her face. she gently craddled his burned and blistered head. He muttered something in his unconsciousness. Aries closed her eyes in a painful sorrow for a moment before she looked back up at stared at Apostolos in a blazing rage. "Y-you..you are a monster." she whispered.
"Yet I am the one having all the fun." Apostolos shot back to her. He nodded to the guards as they came forward and then grabbed him from her and drug the dieing man off. "Now leave." He snapped. "You lucky your a sister to my Queen. Or I would have killed you." He said and then turned on his heel and then took off after the guards and bishop.
Meanwhile both Jason and Medea watched from the quiet corner of the hall, taking comfort in each other that they were still alive, for the moment, and weren't suffering like this man of god. Medea sighed,"Apollmyi doesn't trust you."
Jason shrugged a little."You don't either."
Medea laughed a little as she watched Apostolos leave the hallway."I trust you with everything."She smiled as she followed the man out, heading for apollo's room, walking in silently.Thinking.
Jason made his way to Aries side, shaking his head."There are better ways of committing suicide then arguing with Apostolos."
Aries sighed as she watched Apostolos. "There are better ways of dying then being chopped up and then skinned.." she said, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Apostolos and my sister will pay for what they have done...it is inevitable for them." she narrowed her eyes and wiped her tear streaked face. "There will be others that will have this fate if this isn't stopped. ...This isn't a kingdom, its a torture chamber for innocent people."
Jason looked out the door that Medea had walked out, his whole body trembling as he realized what was going to happen. He couldn't stop it, they were rushing headlong into their doom,and there was no changing course, the die had been cast,and they'd all pay the price."No matter how fast good people act, there are always evil ones waiting for them. When you fight the abyss, you usually find the abyss looking back.So be careful how long you stare, otherwise you'll be lost."He said,before smiling."Your father told me that once."He said sadly.
Medea smiled bowing to her quenn,before straightening."My queen."she said respectfully before moving to apollo's side.
Apollo grinned at Medea. "Hi, my dear, did you like the show in the dining hall?" she asked, putting on a black bath robe.
Medea nodded,"Yes. It did alot to ease my bloodthristy nature."He said as she tilted her head.
Apollmyi nodded to the other lady as a servant brought in a steaming basin with water. She then smiled to Apollo. "Ready, my Queen?" She asked then walked around and helped her with her hair.
Aries looked at Jason, her eyes glistened. "If only he were here...he'd know what to do. I just...I need him. He could tell me what I could do.."
Jason swallowed, a arm slipped around her shoulders,pressing a kiss to her head."Go to my estate. For awhile at least."He said, having a carelessly reckless plan to force Medea's hand, wondering just how far she'd go for her queen.
Aries looked down, her hair gently falling into her face after Jason's kiss. "Okay..."she said quietly. she then looked back at him, she smiled slightly. "Apostolos's face will never be the same.. he'll have a hard time forgetting me."
Jason's smile was quick and fleeting, before he stepped away from her, offering her a bow before straightening. ""If I don't see you again, know that I was proud to know you my lady."He said softly before heading for the door. Now to see if he could provoke one or all the women that made up this court.
Apollo nodded and got into her bath, bubbles surronded her skin. The water began to turn red from the bishop's blood that was caked on her skin. "ahh, much better.."
"Your hair is very thankfull as well my queen." Apollmyi said softly as she then cleaned her Queen's hair like normally.
Medea laughed a little, gently scrubbing the rest of the blood from Apollo's skin."It is always a pleasure to take a bath."
Apollo smile. "Yes. It is." she said in agreement.
Medea sighed,softly, as she washed the queen, lost in her own thoughts for the moment since no one was talking to her.
Aries took a step forward. "wait, what do you mean?!" she cried out.
Jason smiled,turning to look at her."I'm going to see just how loyal my wife is."he shrugged."I'm popular enough if something happens to me, you might get enough rebels to join you to truly make this work."
Aries squinted her eyes. "..You can't leave me.." she pleaded.
Jason moved back to her side."I'll try not to."He smiled a little."What do you want me to do?If we force apollo to act, we might have a chance to win this fight when she's not ready to fight it.But if we wait,she'll be ready for it."
Jake and Carly had seen what had happened and had come to see Aries as Jason said these words, "Jason is right M'lady." Jake said bowing.
Aries looked at Jake and Carly and then back to Jason. she nodded but hung her head. "All of you are right. I wish that the life of a good man doesn't have to be put to risk...but thats the definition of a war against the evil that is my sister."
Jason shrugged."War is good men dying, and old men talking."he sighed. "I'll be back."he said making his way to the queen's chambers, pausing at the door after his knock to wait for permission to go in.
Aries watched Jason disappear.
Apollo's eyes turned towards her door. "Enter." she demanded. "And you better be Apostolos with my limbless bishop." Apollo said with a chuckle.
"No,just another lord wanting to see the bloodshow."Jason said as he walked in, a grin on his face, looking at home there as he did anywhere else.
Medea frowned at her husband, wondering what he was up to.
Apollo eyed Jason. she had always questioned Jason's loyalty to her in the back of her mind. Apollo, even though she is a vindictive woman, still has boundaries that she doesn't cross. At least not until the time is right. "Hm. well, we are all waiting and quite honestly, I am getting bored." she told him, fiddling with her long blonde hair. she looked to Medea and winked.
Just then there was a soft knock at the door. Apollymi smiled to the Queen. It's is most likly my cousin. Shall I have him wait till you finish?" She asked her as she smiled softly.
Apollo laughed softly. "No, by all means, allow him inside."
Apollymi nodded then backed away from her then then walked over to the door. She muttered something. She pulled the door open and , just as her cousin shoved the Bishop into the room. She watched him stalk in after the man and then he stopped short. "You will be nice and say nothing." He said sharply to her cousin as she passed him.
Apostolos nodded, walked over and grabbed the bishop. "My Queen. I hope er are not intrupting your bath." He said and then smiled and bowed to her, forcing the guy to the floor.
Medea settled contentedly in her chair to watch, more watching her husband then actually the bishop.
Jason smiled a little."Not interuppting. This is the best form of bathtime entertainment."
Apollo hid herself within the bubbles. "Of course not!" She then turned to Apollmyi. "Could you please hand me my bath robe, my dear."
Apollymi nodded. She turned then walked over and grabbed the queen's robe then smiled as she held it out to her, opened up as she waited for the Queen to step in and fill it.
Aries looked blankly at the floor for a moment. She then turned to Jake and Carly. "Round up everyone you can. We are going to start this rebellion. This queen is going to meet the end of her reign." She told them, determined. She dashed out the door, threw a cloak over herself, and darted to the horse stables.
Artemis peaked around the Queen's door. She heard all the comottion from inside the bathroom and slowly started to enter.
Apollo stepped into the robe and smiled at Apollmyi. Apollo yawned slightly and looked at Apostolos. "I am growing tired. This Bishop has done well to bore me...and you have taken too long, Apostolos." She whined with a grin.
Medea smiled."Shall we delay his torture then?Till tomorrow?"
"Wy yes, we'll drag out the poor man's life for another day of entertainment."He said snidely.
Apostolos nodded and then smirked at the Queen. "I'll be sure to put the scum where he belongs." He said and then turned around grabbed the man and then headed for the door. "be sre to sleep well my Queen." he said and then shoved the bishop out side of the door.
Apollymi tired Apollo's robe around her then fixed the neck line. "Take this basin away.' She called to a servant." She then looked back to the Queen and smiled.
Apollo yawned again. "Funny thing is, that Bishop has suffered too much blood loss. He'll be dead before morning. And at this point I do not really care. I am so tired."
"You could always kill another one of your dead citizens."Jason offered.
Medea looked at him oddly."Are you volunteering?"
Apollymi wrapped her arm around the Queen's waist and then walked with her to her bedchamber. 'Let's get you dry and warm." She said and then smiled at her as she then wlaked over to get out her night gown.
Apollo smiled at Apollmyi and nodded. She then turned to Jason and glared briefly before a fake smile creeped on her face. "I take that you are volunteering. You are to scout out and find news of anyone commiting blasphemy against me. And I want you to find them before morning. Better get busy, Lord Jason." She said cruelly. She turned to Medea. "Dear, come with Apollmyi and I."
Artemis followed Apostolos a good way before she finally jumped from the shadows infront of his path. She stood still for a moment, staring him down. She then grinned a sinister grin. "Do you fancy my sister, Lord Apostolos?" she said in an eery voice.
"Lady Artemis." Apostolos said and then bowed a little. He then stood up and shoved he bisop at a servant. "Take him away. I don't want to smeel him as he decays." He said and then crossed his arms over his chest, mesuring up the Princess. 'And to what matter is it of you?" He asked her, blinking a fair few times at her.
Artemis watched the seemingly dead bishop be dragged away and then she turned her eyes back to Apostols. "Despite her size, Aries poses a good threat to our Queen. Even though she has her kind intentions, she is still an Aleya. She won't stop until blood is spilled, even if it is the blood of her own sister." Artemis said grimmly. She then leaned forward a bit which heightened the intensity of what she was about to say. "Aries will find a way. I do believe that my father's spirit burns within her. She will take this kingdom and she will destroy anyone who gets in her way." Artemis paused and relaxed her stance. She studied Apostolos's scarred face. "She already detests you. And I believe you are one of her prime targets. I am telling you this because I am going to need your help to save our queen."
Apostolos looked around and then nodded to her. "We need to then talk." he said. "Come to my rooms later on. I have...business I need to get out of the way first. Then I shall be all your Princess." He said, bowed his head and then took off into a long hard stride downt he hallway.
Artemis grinned and nodded.
Aries peeled out of the stables on a beautiful white stallion. She looked around, making sure no one was watching her and she rode off towards the city of Wynn Haven. She had heard talk that she could find a few good swordsman there...ones that do not have much respect for the queen.
Gavyn, leader of the few, was standing where his Queen had requested. He heared the sounds of the pounding horse, then pushed himself off the tree and then awaited for her arrival.
Aries spotted Gavyn and slowed down her horse. The horse fell to slow stride and walked to where Gavyn stood. Aries smiled at him and climbed down from her horse. "Hello, dear friend. Its good to see you."
"My Queen." Gavyn said and then bowed low to the ground. His other followers copying his motion. He stayed there like that till he was given the right to rise in her presence. SHe was trested as a true Queen and Hero amoung his few people he had gathered.
Aries bowed in return. "Rise, my friends." She told them kindly. "We must discuss something. I am growing more ill each day as I watch Apollo destroy more and more innocent lives. I need help, I need the help of those I can truly trust. I believe you have the power and skill to help me. But, this fight can not be purely muscle. This fight will include torturesome mind games to those inside the kingdom. My sister's close allies, powerful allies such as Artemis, Lord Apostolos, Lady Apollmyi and.." Aries paused for a moment, thinking briefly about the reprocusions of what she was about to say. She sighed and continued. "...And Lady Medea." She felt that part of her had betrayed Lord Jason for mentioning his love, but she knew that Medea could pose a threat.
Gavyn rose as the rest of them did. He nodded and listened to her. He spat at the name of Apostolos. "Scum." he muttered and then nodded to her. "yes. My Queen." He said. "I feel the slight lose in Jason myself." he said, "He was a dear close friend of mine." He stated. "Sleeping with that...that evil creature." He added and then bowed his head. "Forgive me.' he said. "I spoke out." He added.
Aries nodded and smiled softly. "Do not apologize, feel free to express your thoughts. I do not support communistic ways. And yes, Jason is a good man and only wants whats best for the kingdom, but I do fear for him.." She said calmly, sitting on the soft ground. Aries didn't believe in always keeping everything in such a formal arrangement.
Gavyn took that as a que. He turned and nodded to the rest of his men. They all then took off deeper into the woods. He then sighed. "SOme are close enough for protection." He said. He then fianlly sat down next to her and then relaxed a great deal. She relaly was a great friend to him. But first and formost she was his Queen. "I do fear he has stepped into hot water as well."
Artemis paced back and forth. What is taking Apostolos so long? She thought.
"Artie. My sweet." Apostolos said from behind her. Standing in the door way. He was in nothing but his riding pants. "Come one in. We do have thing to talk about." He smiled and then nodded as he let her walk into his 'sitting'room.
Aries sighed and looked at her friend and then layed back onto the grass. "I fear for the lives of many, Gavyn. I especially fear for my life. If need be, I'd be willing to sacrifice my life...but only if I know the kingdom was safe...otherwise, I'll never stop fighting." She grinned slightly. "I think I began the war when I scarred the face of that monster, Apostolos."
Gavyn sighed and leaned back and then looked down to her, she relaly was something beautiful to look at. "I would never let you. I'd die saving you." He admitted, "You and I both know that." He said.
Aries blushed slightly and giggled. "You are too kind to me, Gavyn." She told him. "I wouldn't trust my life with anyone else but you." She said softly.
Gavyn smiled at her. "Well I'm very touched you feel that way...Aries." He said softly and then leaned over her and grinned. "Cause I wouldn't trust anyone but you sitting up there. Where you truly belong." He stated, smiling down over her.
Artemis studied him and rose one of her eyebrows as she walked into his sitting room. "Artie?" She repeated, amused. She sat down in one of his luxurious chairs. "Do you usually walk around half naked?" She asked him.
"If is bothering you Princess I will shirt myself." Apostolos said as he then closed the door behind her and walked over and sat across from her. Smiling softly. Waiting for her to answer what he had said to her. He prefered to run around naked. But she was after young, prime and pretty. But that was beside the fact.
Artemis giggled. "No, its fine. It doesn't bother me." She told him. She looked around his interesting room. "So, has that scar of yours impeded on your perpetual hunt for females?" She asked him in cold yet amused voice.
Apostolos glared at her. "No. It has not." He said. "I get more...attetion from the...weepy ones. But either way." he said. "But what does my 'love life' have to do with you needing to talk to me." He said. "I thought you need something from me." He said, leaning forward taking his goble of wine and then took a nice gulp, before setting the goblet down.
Artemis watched him drink. "Yes, well...My sister, Aries, is a fast girl. She probably is gathering an army as we speak. She is cunning and we need to be just as cunning if we are going to stop her. I need your strength." She told him. "And you'll need...my brains." She said harshly, looking over the kingdom's heart-throb amongst the ladies. Sure, she thought he was attractive, but she needed his brawns more than his appearance.
"Right." Apostolos said. "What will you offer me in return? What does me loving your sister have to do with this? And...how do I know you wont do the same thing to me as your other sister has." He said to her, picking the goblet back up and finished it off, then playing with it before setting it back down, leaning back agianst the chair.
Artemis rolled her eyes. "You love my sister, thus your loyalty to her is genuine. And I will offer you..." She thought for a moment. "I will make you the most powerful warlord in this kingdom. And you can trust me because you know me. You've known me for so long. And I will personally bring you Aries so you can kill her yourself." She told him with a smile.
Apostolos leaned all the way back int the cahir as a soft sneaky grin crept across his face. He licked his lips and then looked to Artemis. "You my little princess. You have a deal. And a fellow alley." He said and then nodded. "I sweat it to you." He said. "For you have offered me something, in which I can't pass up." He said and grinned.
Artemis grinned, pleased with herself. "I am glad we have come to an agreement. So, how do you plan to rid the world of my sister?" She asked him, in order to get him riled up.
Apostolos pondered that thought for a moment and then smiled at her. "For honestly. I'm not sure what I would like to do to her first." He said. 'There is so many many ways I could go about this. But it all relaly deppens on what my Queen says I am allowed to do. Unless of course she wishses to kill her sister herself." He said and then laughed a little. "I'll do it withouth her knowing, then clal it a accedent. "No. I don't like that ither." He said and then sighed, going into a deep thought. "I really don't know." he said, looking up to Artemis.
Aries smiled up at him. "I just hope I have the strength to lead the kingdom out of the dark.."
"Out of the dark and into the light of a new heir. The true heir." Gavy said and then pulled back and laied down next to her. "For that I am sure." He said and smiled, then reached down and took her hand into his and smiled.
Aries blushed even more. "You will be with me all the way?" She asked him.
"To the very end of it all." Gavyn said and then squeezed her hand softly agianst him. "For I made a oath to you. And I plan to keep my word." He said. "Friends, or not. I shall never leave your side." He said and smiled as he glanced over at her.
Aries smiled softly and the smile slowly faded. "...Even, hypothetically speaking,...even if I happen to die?"
"Aries. My L-Queen. Please. don't speak like that." Gavyn said and then sat up and looked around. 'Truth be told. I know not what I wouls do shall I lose you. You are so meaningfull to me." he said as he turned and looked down at her. "Please. We will make it though this." he said. "And i'll be right by your side to be sure of that." he said.
Aries looked down at the ground, her golden hair falling across her face. She then looked back up at Gavyn. "I must go soon. The longer I am from the kingdom, the higher the suspicions."
Gavyn said nothing but nodded. As much as he pained for hmi to watch her ride off, away from him. He'd let her go. And pray to the heaveans that she be safe and sound in the day to come. "Till we meet agian?" he asked her softly, avoiding looking her right in the eyes. Like he always did before he said good bye.
"Be safe."Jason said as he stepped from the shadows, a bruise marring the side of his face. As usual, his fights with Medea had ended in blows,but it had led to something far more enjoyable. It had always been that way."You wont have the guards you deserve."He said, looking up at her.
Aries closed her eyes for a brief moment and then looked back at Jason. "Your face...does it hurt?" She asked, concerned while standing to her feet.
Gavyn had hopped up and then helped her up and then nodded to her. Once someone else was around. He switched to formal. It was just how he was. He wasn't that close to Jason. So he felts he didn't need to know him as a casual kinda of person. He then nodded and stepped aside, as his Queen talked to him.
Jason shrugged."It's not the worst I've been hurt m'lady, and it wont be the last time I'm hurt."He said smiling at the girl."I'll be fine."
Aries nodded at Gavyn and smiled slightly at Jason. "Well, my friend Gavyn, is the leader of a broad band of dedicated swordsman to our cause, I do believe that they will help us out." She told Jason.
"It's always good to have more people."He said with a smile.
Gavyn nodded to them both. "Lady Aries. Let me ride half way back with you. For your protection." He said and then placed his sword back agianst his hip.
Artemis smiled at Apostolos. "Well, we have much to do. We have to get to the bottom of this and find out all we can on who Aries has already recruited for her charade." She told him.
Apostolos nodded. "Yea yea." He said. "Sure." He said, then looked up to her. "So...maybe I should just cut her head off, making it easier." he said and then looked up. "What was it you said princess?" He asked. Not having heared a word she said. Just knew she was talking.
Artemis looked at Apostols with disgust. "Open your ears and do not ignore me. You maybe older than I but I do beat you in royal ranking." She growled, frustrated.
"Well I am lisening now and your not saying anything, of much importance to me right now." Apostolos pointed out and then sighed as he laied his head back agianst the lounge chair. He then slolwy looked to her and smiled. "So. As you were saying?" He asked, hoping to let her contuine.
Artemis rolled her eyes. "I'm done now." She hissed.
"Fine. Then your dissmissed. Unless of course there is something else in wich you need to say to me." Apostolos said to her.
Aries nodded towards Gavyn. "But of course my friend."
Gavyn nodded and then stepped closer and folded his fingers together to help her mount her house.
Jason smiled a little watching them get ready to go."Be careful. An good luck."He said starting to head back to the castle, ready to turn in for the night.Having just come out to make sure she was safe.
Aries mounted the horse and looked down at Jason with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Jason. I appreciate your help... Both of you." She told them.
Jason tilted his head."Thank us when the country's under your control. We're not out of the woods yet."
Gavyn called out, then smiled as his horse Thunder came along. He jumped and mounted the horse. Waiting to escort the Lady half way home.
Aries nodded at Jason. "Yes. You are very right. Would you like to ride with us back to the ca-" She started before she paused. She could feel like her keen sense of danger was trying to alarm her. She looked to her left and then turned to her right. But, before she could even clear her vision, a large stone flew her way. In attempt to dodge the incoming rock, she ducked down swiftly, falling off the horse in doing so. She hit the ground with a large THUD.
"You are an Aleya Princess!" Screamed an angry voice. Aries stood up, brushed herself off and looked at her attacker. It was an elderly woman dressed in rags in the shape of a dress. Her hair was white as snow. She picked up another rock and pulled back her arm to cast it at Aries.
Aries's pupils dialated. "No, its okay, its okay." She told the woman calmly. "I am not here to hurt you!"
Artemis stood from her seat. "No, that is all." She told him as she began walking to the door. At the door, she paused and looked back and told him grimly. "...I'd watch your back if I were you, we are going to have many enemies..."
"Yes. I'm very aware of that." Apostolos said. "But. Making sure that the Queen is safe. Will be worth even my death." He added and then nodded to her.
Artemis grinned as she walked out the door. Though she is perpetual pain in the neck, Aries is going to die in a manner she rightly deserve. And that does not include death by Apostols... Once he has helped me get into the meat of Apollo's plans. She thought to herself, heading to her chambers.
Apollo layed down in her bed. As she did so, she picked up the black crystal ball that always sat beside her royal bed. She eyed it and grasped it tight. She peered at for a couple minutes and then shot her eyes to Apollmyi and Medea. "I must confide in you both my dear friends... I feel like there is something I must tell you..about me and my sisters' birth mother..." She said quietly.
Continue RP at: Chapter Two: Dementophobia
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