Marry You? I've Never Even Met You!

[Altam]

(Closed to all but CandyLips)
(EDIT: Added a bit more)
He’d been woken up by a slave at the palace the day he was first told. ”Wake up, your highness,” he’d heard, in Egyptian-accented Greek. Opening his eyes, he found himself next to another slave, a female Arab from Himyar, a dancer. Sitting up, he also found he had a hangover, his head aching terribly. ”By Isis, you had best be sent from Amon-Ra himself, slave,” he grumbled as he began to stand up. ”Oh, I am,” the slave replied, ”your father sent for you!” Nikanor nodded, grimacing in pain. ”Very well, tell him I’ll be with him in the garden shortly,” he said, standing up. After waking the slave up and sending her away, he left his room in the nude, meeting his father in the large garden that was surrounded by the palace. After his father and he had greeted each other, they started walking. ”The people are frightened and dissentious,” his father had begun, ”Despite having promised Egypt she could keep her independence, Rome is still perceived as a threat by the people. Likewise, the Roman lower classes; plebeians, I believe they call them, are afraid we might march into Syria, or eastern Sinai.”
Nikanor interjected, ”I know all this. Why have you called for me?”
”Well, my son, I have sent emissaries to Rome, and they have returned with an offer from the Emperor...”
”Really? What kind of offer?” Nikanor asked, curious and interested, as the tensions with the Romans were a problem, and had been so for long.
”…And I’ve agreed to it,” the Pharaoh stated, hesitating to answer the question. Nikanor said nothing, simply waiting for his father to continue.
”You’re marrying the Emperor’s daughter,” the answer finally came. Nikanor was a little shocked, but it didn’t show, as he simply nodded. ”I see,” he said, ”When?”
”In about a year’s time. There’s a few details that still need working out.”
Nikanor nodded again, and silently walked back into his room.

The year had passed, and now Alexandros Nikanor was making an effort to sit still. The ceremony was due to begin in about an hour and a half, and four elite, incredibly expensive slaves were carefully making up his face and setting his golden, lapis lazuli-inlaid headdress, a process he had gotten used to in his life in the Ptolemaic family. He was seated in a large throne at the entrance to a temple to Amon-Ra, and thus his father, the Pharaoh. The ceremony had been being prepared for a month and a half now, and everything had been planned, from the moment the Romans arrived in the nearby harbour, to be greeted by Nikanor’s brother, Ptolemaios XIII, the heir apparent, and his wife, Cleopatra IIX, their sister, to the consummation of the marriage. Already a crowd was gathering, some at the temple to see Nikanor, but most at the harbour to get a glance at the future Pharaoh. Despite only having drawn a minority, Nikanor was pleased at the crowd gathering at the foot of the temple, though they were kept at a safe distance by the Cleruch soldiers guarding him, some of them having descended directly from Alexander the Great’s soldiers, and thus some of the most influencial, rich, and powerful people in all of Egypt. In the crowd were both native Egyptians and ethnic Greeks, whose families had migrated after the Hellenic conquest of Egypt, much like Nikanor himself. Nikanor looked every bit the Greek, perhaps a little more tan than usual due to the climate he lived in, apart from his attire, which was a mixture of native and Greek fashion. He was fairly tall, standing at five feet, ten inches. He had a strong, toned physique, the result of having trained in the gymnasium since childhood. His hair was short and dark brown, but now hidden away under the headdresss. His eyes were dark grey, almost black. His nose was somewhat large, a trait which some had been used by some to ridicule his imminent marriage to a Roman, (the people responsible had, of course, been executed), but it was not quite large enough to be detrimental to his fairly good looks.

”Your divine highness, please, stop frowning, my lord,” one of the slaves said. Nikanor complied, not having realised he was frowning. He was speculating what the Roman woman would look like. He had only heard vague, third-hand descriptions, which did little to place an image in his head. The slave began to apply make-up on Nikanor’s forehead, hiding away wrinkles none but the most skilled eyes could spot. Nikanor started to consider the coming times, as his life would definitely be very different after this ceremony. If he didn’t know what the Roman looked like, he certainly didn’t know what kind of person she was, or what kind of wife she’d be. Would she be silent and obedient, a mere decoration in his home? Would she be a commandeering hag? While he did not prefer any of the two extremes, he would certainly prefer the former, was he given only those two choices. That would also make it easier for him to continue his habit of inviting various palace slaves, and his father’s noble visitors (or their daughters), to his bedchambers.

His stream of thought was suddenly interrupted by a sudden pain as small hairs were being pulled out of his face. ”Could you warn me next time?” he barked at the Egyptian slave, who was at least twice his age. The slave nodded with a ”Yes, lord,” and that was the end of that.

Nikanor hoped his future wife spoke Greek. If she didn’t, he would have to use his less-than-perfect Latin.

Suddenly, music. The wait was finally over. Nikanor was able to see the crowded harbour from his elevated position, and thus saw the tiny shape of the Roman ship entering the dock. He couldn’t possibly identify the small, humanoid shapes, so he did not turn his head to look, as that would warrant for his make-up to be re-arranged, something he didn’t have the patience for. The music grew in intensity, and he felt his heart rate increasing as the tension increased. ”Isis and Hera, don’t fail me now…”

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia Maria Prisca was born into a very ancient family that survived the years as Rome changed, they took up influential places in the city until the family its self took over Rome. Her great grand father, grand father and now her father was the Emperor of the great city and country. He married her mother some years after he took the thrown, she had been from one of the richest families in the city and was the most beautiful. Many had wanted her for there own but when she set eyes on her he had to have her. Her brother Servius was born before her and is the rightful heir to the throne. She was born on a few hours after him, she is his twin but look nothing like him nor did she hold many traits from her father. Lucia looked almost like a spitting image of her mother, she was graced with her goddess like beauty with long wave brown hair that ended at her lower back. He held her mothers bright green eyes, fair skin that almost made her look like many of the statues that decorated the place and her frame was thin but held toned muscles. Her father thought it was always helpful for a women of her raking to know how to defend herself she she knew very well how to handle a sword and she could out fight any of her father's guards.

She knew for years that her father struggled with the Egyptians and their king. They constantly struggled for the lands around them and her father was growing tired of the killing on both their parts. He did what he could to bring peace to both of them even if it meant giving his only daughter to them to marry one of the sons of Egypt and their union would seal the deal. Lucia didn't care for the hole arrangement and she was sure nether did her future husband. Her father didn't give her a choice 'any women would be honored to be in your place' he would guilt her into this and she would do it because she knew it was her duty.

Lucia began her long journey to the strange lands that were filled with such sun and sand. She never liked being on boats and to be on one for so long made her sick. When the Roman boat finally pulled into the Egyptian docks she was relieved that her feel could once again touch to earth. She walked out from underneath the tent that lay in the center of the boat and she was surprised to see how many Egyptians had come to see her. Her long brown hair was pulled up on top of her head a ribbon winding around it to hold it in place and her robes moved in the breeze as it went rushing by her body. Her green eyes moved to each of the faces that looked out at her and with the help of one of the guards she stepped from the boat out onto their docks. Her fathers guards walked in front of her besides her and behind her now. They were there to protect her encase some of the people didn't care for the union, they parted the crowd and she made her way through the marketplace that surrounded the docks.

She was caught off guard as the music began to sound and it only seemed to make her guards a bit nervous. She gave them a smile to let them know it was alright, they continued to part the crowd of people until she came to the foot of the temple.

 

[Altam]

Seeing the parade of soldiers, both Egyptian spearmen of the Cleruch, and Roman Legionaries, guarding the Romans and Nikanor’s siblings as they all made their way to the temple, Nikanor took a deep breath, not allowing his nervousness to break through his façade. When the nobles were all standing at the foot of the temple and waiting for him to act, Nikador did as planned; he stood up carefully, making sure not to bend his head backwards, as that would cause his headdress to fall off. He took one step down the large stairs, and called down to his Roman betrothed, who was still too far away for him to clearly see (he secretly had somewhat poor vision). ”Approach, daughter of Rome, and kneel before Amon-Ra!” he shouted, turning around, facing the throne he sat on before, as well as a statue of his grandfather immediately behind it. He looked down briefly, seeing his body, which was naked save a fine cotton loincloth, which covered most of his thighs.

After he estimated his betrothed was about halfway up the stairs to the temple, he stepped aside so as to let the people see a product of the Roman aristocracy kneel to their native god. The moment she finished walking up the stairs, and stood before the statue of Nikador’s grandfather, the crowd began to cheer so loudly that Nikador was certain the people of Cyprus (which, at this point, had been given over to the Romans) must have been able to hear it. He now took a good look at his betrothed. She was really quite pretty, and he felt inclined to smile, though that wasn’t planned, and thus, he didn’t dare risk it. She had, however, exceeded his expectations, and, ignoring for a moment all the other implications of the marriage, he looked forward to consummating it soon. Inside the temple, a priestess of Isis was preparing for the coming ceremony, in which the two’s heads would be anointed with oil and rites would be chanted. After that, there would be another parade on the way to the palace, where a feast would be held.

The cheers grew louder from the crowd, and Nikador’s heartbeat grew faster and faster, as he realised he was to spend eternity with the woman in front of him as soon as she knelt to the statue. This had better solve all our problems, he thought.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia there on the first step to the temple her guards around her still a bit uneasy, she looked up to the top seeing a figure stand up off a thrown and stepped down onto one of the large steps. She could see how his body was painted gold and he wore nothing more then a loincloth. She found it so odd how they dressed her and painted their rulers in such a way. He called down to her telling her to approach but it was how he commanded her to kneel before a ruler that wasn't her own that irritated her and she could tell that her guards didn't like the idea either. They were coming her to bring peace to their lands and if she had to kneel for the ceremony she would but it would be the last time.

Lucia began to climb the steps taking one at a time and a few of the guards followed along behind her who wouldn't leave her side. The crowd grew louder as the neared about half way up the great set of steps and her nerves began to grow but she didn't show it on her face. She held her body up straight in a regal way that was that of a princess to the throne of Roman and no matter how she married that would never change. She continued her journey up the steps until she stood besides him, underneath all that he was quiet hansom and he almost looked Greek. Lucia spoke many languages, another thing her father though important to learn and she had understood his first words to her perfectly. She turned her eyes away from him now to move to the statue, she paused for a moment still because she had never had to kneel before anyone in her life, not even her father. She swallowed her pride anyway and knelt down on the pillows there. She hated how the crowd cried out as she did so, it was as if the Romans were giving into them but it had been an agreement between the both of them.

Her guards stood at the opening of the temple anger at the sight of their princess kneeling before a god that was not their own and she could feel their eyes on her. She just wanted the entire thing to be over with so they could return to Rome and she was bring with her her new husband. Her father had prepared a home for them already but she had no idea how long she would have to stay here for what ever celebrations the Egyptian people held after a wedding.

 

[Altam]

Nikanor smiled as the Roman kneeled, despite her apparent reluctance. The crowd grew wild, and he saw the soldiers guarding the temple were having some trouble keeping them away. He was not afraid any of them would come close, though, as the guards had been instructed to kill if necessary. He was, after all, of divine blood. He stepped towards his betrothed as soon as she stood up, and facing her, said ”I am Alexandros Nikanor of Egypt, son of Ptolemaios, descendant of Ptolemy, general of Alexander the Great, and heir of his seat as Amon-Ra. Who are you?”

Before she had time to answer, the priestess of Isis, a woman of about thirty-five years of age, who was stunning in her own right, approached them with a jug of anointing oil in her hand, chanting in Egyptian. Nikanor and his betrothed stood still, looking each other in the eye, each gauging the other’s personality. ”The son of Amon-Ra and his wife, the woman by him now, shall be fruitful, and they shall each serve the other well in their holy unions, carnal on this Earth, and spiritual in the afterlife, so doth Isis decree!” the priestess chanted, making Nikanor suddenly think of all the nights to come. Would this Roman accept his escapades, or would she be a prude and keep him for herself, even when she was old and wrinkled? He grew nervous again, but realised there had never been any choice of backing out. The priestess ended her chant with a few more prayers regarding the health of their future children and so on, none of which interested Nikanor at the moment. She then lifted up the jug, pouring some of the fragrant oil down on his face. He closed his eyes briefly so as to not get any in them. He sighed, breathing in the scent of the oil, a beatiful smell, made from a mixture of fragrances that had been used by the cult of Isis for ages. The oil flowed from his head, down over his face, and down on his chest, emphasising his bare torso.

Opening his eyes again, he saw the priestess lifting the jug again to pour the rest over the Roman. He eyed his betrothed up and down, and was becoming less and less conflicted about the deal the more he looked at her. Sadly, her traditional Roman stola and palla hid away many of her features, but he could already tell he would not regret spending time with her in the bedchamber. Or in public, when such occasions arose, as they would later, after the feast. He knew aromatic candles and ample lighting were being prepared at a shrine to Isis near the palace, where another ceremony, this one of a more vigorous kind, would be held. He wasn’t sure the woman was aware of this, though, and he hoped she wouldn’t object.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia had stood up once more just as quickly as she had knelt, she wasn't accustomed to such a thing and it was uncomfortable to be in such a position. The prince didn't wait long before introducing him with his long title, was it their custom to give there children such long names as well as to paint them in such an unusual way. She hadn't had a chance to learn much of their ways, the library didn't hold much on it because few dared to live in their lands long enough to learn it all. She parted her lips with a smile about to answer his question but she wasn't given the time, an older women appeared carrying a jug that was filled with something unlike anything she had ever smelt before and she stood still besides him watching carefully.

Egyptian was one of the languages that she had taken extra time to learn and she was able to understand the woman's words quiet well. When the women mentioned one of their gods she knew nothing about them, the scholars only wrote of a few of them and this wasn't one. She assumed she had something to do of marriage and would have to remember the name later to ask her betrothed about her, if he was willing to tell her or not. She watched the women now as she moved over to Nikanor pouring the jug of oil over his face and down his chest. She couldn't help but to admire how well build his body was and how the oil made him look as if he was sweating in the sunlight. She always enjoyed watching her father's guards as the would fight with each other, to see their large muscles flex with each movement and look wet from their sweat. She cleared the thought from her mind now as the women moved to fill the jug once more, was she going to do the same with her? Having oil dumped on her in such a way didn't really appeal to her but as she grew near she stayed where she was and closed her eyes as she lifted the jug. The oil ran down over her head soaking her hair, over her chest and down her stomach. It soaked into her clothing making it stick to her curves and it made her hair so heavy that the pour ribbon could no longer hold it up. Her long wave brown hair tumbled freely down her shoulders, back and came to an end at her lower back.

She moved her hands up whipping some of the oil off her eyes, she hadn't closed them in time and she got a bit in her bright green eyes. She looked over at him now with a look of confusing on her face, what was all that for? Were they married now and if so what was in store for her next? She didn't like not knowing what was going on and the fact that this all wasn't explained to her before angered her.

 

[Altam]

If the crowd had been loud before, they were deafening now. Now that all the necessary blessings had been given, and each of them had been anointed with the temple’s luxurious, sacred oil, they were officially husband and wife. Nikanor grinned, his previous doubts somehow having disappeared. He extended his hand to his wife, the name of whom he didn’t know yet. Once she took it, he led her down the stairs to a chariot waiting for them. Chariots were only used for ceremonial purposes nowadays, but they were nevertheless made sturdy as well as beautiful. This one was no exception, beautifully adorned with silver, gold, and lapis lazuli. The horse dragging it had also been decorated, and it was wearing a large headpiece, with silk and gold and peacock feathers, imported from the deepest depths of Africa. He stepped onto the chariot and grabbed the reins, preparing for the parade to escort them to the palace, where the slaves and servants had been busy preparing a feast. He was certain Egypt, with its large supply of gold and other expensive, luxurious materials would impress even such a pampered girl as herself. Once placed on the chariot and holding the reins, he invited her to get next to him, and he put his arm around her waist as he was allowed to now. “Hold on tight,” he warned her as the horse began to move.

On the ride, which was going to take perhaps a quarter of an hour, Nikanor frequently turned his head to look at his wife. She looked stunning, even with her hair and clothes somewhat wet with oil. Even though she hadn’t spoken a word to him yet, he liked her. So far, at least. He warned himself not to become too enticed just yet. “You’re beautiful,” he said in Greek, before repeating it in broken Latin in an attempt to flatter her with knowledge of her mother tongue: “Vos es decorus.” After the compliment, he looked out at the people who still surrounded them, getting a glimpse at the members of their ruling family, of which the woman at his side was now part. He then asked her two unrelated questions, and immediately cursed himself afterwards for the awkwardness with which they were presented “What is your name?” was the first, and “Are you a virgin?” was the second. He knew the latter was unlikely; he certainly wasn’t a virgin. Although young at the age of 20, he had bedded at least 70 women, and even some men. Such were the privileges of royalty, and Nikanor would have it no other way. Many of the women had been older noblewomen, who saw the act of bedding royalty as an achievement, a belief no man in the royal family had ever objected to.

Catching himself reminiscing, Nikanor realised he hadn’t heard his wife’s answers. “I’m sorry, what? I couldn’t hear you over the crowd,” he lied. A quick look out at the crowd he was referring to, he wondered what kind of clothing the common people wore in Rome. Here, the men wore loincloths, not unlike that, which he was wearing, albeit made of more coarse, common material, and the women wore dresses that varied in length, some going to the ankles, and others only just covering the knees. He found that the length of the dresses often grew with the wearer’s age. None of them wore jewelry, which Nikanor supposed seperated them from nobility, who wore jewelry of various precious stones and metals, much like the one he himself was wearing. He suddenly felt his stomach growling when he spotted the palace beginning to seem closer and closer.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia looked over at Nikanor now as he extended his hand to her, she reached out placing her in his and he lead her back down the stairs. A chariot waited for them at the end of the stairs and she in awe of how richly decorated it was in gold as well as the horses. She couldn't believe how rich these lands were with gold, rich fabrics and materials that she had never seen before. She followed along behind him as he stepped up into the chariot and took a seat next to him. She turned to him as he slipped an arm around her waist and the movement wasn't something she was use to. Her father protected her most of her life and made sure she stayed away from men to keep her pure for her husband. 'Hold on tight' he told her and she couldn't help but to smile. If there was one thing she was use to it was riding in a chariot and she knew how to move her body to keep from falling off.

She turned her eyes out at the people, their eyes were on her intently and she wore a bright smile even through she really didn't want to. She had just gotten married to a man she hardly knew and she didn't know what to say to him as she sat besides him. They stayed quiet for a while until he finally spoke, he asked her what her name was once more but again she wasn't give time to answer because he asked her another question and she one cause her to blush. He was a bold one to ask her such a thing out in the public eye. "I am called Lucia Maria Prisca, Daughter of Emperor Priscus and the decadent of an ancient line of Roman royals." She moved her fingers through her long brown hair and she could feel to oil that covered it. She wondered if she had time to change or at least wash up before they get to the palace. She turned to look at him now a bit shy to answer his second question, "Yes i am a virgin...for someone of my stature its important that i stay pure for my husband unlike the low class people of my lands..."

Lucia looked to her husband now, he looked as if he wasn't even paying attention to her words and when he turned to her saying he didn't hear because of the crowd she looked at him a bit irritated. He hadn't heard anything she said so when she repeated them once more she said them a bit sharper then she had intended too. She sighed softly now blowing a few strands of her hair out of her eyes, "I don't suppose i will have time to clean up or change before the next event?" She asked him now in perfect Greek, "What language would you prefer i speak to you in? Greek, Latin...i speak Egyptian as well." She gave him a smile now as she saw the Palace off in the distance, she was growing hungry as well, her trip had been long and she really had not been able to rest since she had gotten here.

 

[Altam]

Nikanor smiled as she did, waving briefly to the crowd while she answered. Hearing her name once again, and remembering it this time, he nodded. She answered his second question with a blush, which pleased her. He raised an eyebrow as she answered him, explaining her status. ”Indeed,” he answered, nodding as he considered her answer,”I suppose I should tell you of the reputation your people has here… one of promiscuity, orgies… but I should be the last to criticise either of those things; I’d go as far as saying I greatly appreciate both,” he elaborated with a smile, still looking at her to see her reaction. He hoped he had not offended her, but he didn’t worry, instead adding, “But enough about me, you tell me about yourself.” He continued to look out at the crowd as he listened, this time paying attention and nodding to indicate this.

After not too long, the chariot and the entourage arrived at the palace’s entry. The palace itself was a majestic building, built with a base structure of mudbrick, covered with a mixture of limestone and sandstone. In addition, the façade was ornamented with traditional sunken-relief depictions of the local gods, many of them represented in the flesh by members of the Pharaonic family. He stepped down from the chariot with his wife, and led her to the entrance, where he was greeted by his father, who approached the couple with a smile, followed by a naked acolyte of Amon-Ra, kissing the ground the Pharaoh walked on. “My son! My children, please, enter,” he invited the couple of newlyweds in, and led them to a large dining hall. At least two hundred noble visitors were there, mostly ethnic Greeks like Nikanor himself, though with a few affluent native Egyptians and even a family of Roman immigrants. The large stone table was arranged in the shape of a U, with two seats in the middle for the two newlyweds. Nikanor silently led his wife to the seats, positioning her to his left. All eyes were on them, and the entire hall was silent.

“Let the feast begin,” Nikanor called out loud. The cheering soon began, and a multitude of slaves excited the kitchen, carrying local cuisine. They were starting light, with bread and different spreads and vegetables. After the food was served, a band of musicians entered, positioning themselves within the formation of tables. As soon as they started playing, a Nubian dancer, with whom Nikanor was sure he’d had relations, entered. She wore Nubian attire, meaning she was topless and wearing a skirt that barely hid away her large, round backside. Enjoying the view, Nikanor began eating, momentarily forgetting about his wife next to him. Sipping from a cup of wine, he found it was strong, and he would have to drink moderately if he was to behave properly for the entire night. He also knew he and Lucia would be eating and accepting gifts for a couple of hours, followed by dancing until the consummation ceremony.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia watched him, he seemed surprised at the fact that she was a virgin and she was the one to raise her brow when he began to speak of her peoples reputation. She had heard of such rumors but then again she didn't go into that part of the city, her father kept her away from such things but she wasn't a stranger to hearing such things. Rome was a bit more liberal, several men were married but had mistresses as well and kids from several women. She went still as he told her that he appreciated promiscuity and orgies. It gave her a picture of what kind of man he was and it worried her a bit. She was brought up in a family with only one mother, well that was at least what she thought. She gave him another smile as he asked her about herself, she was relieved that he was interested in her and she hopped that they might be about to talk more privately instead of out in the public like this was screaming people around them.

She began to tell him a bit about her life, how her father taught her many things encase anything happened to her brother because she would be the one that would take over the throne. She told him of how her father taught her to fight in many ways, how she was well educated in many languages and their history because a ruler or someone in her place need to know as much about their lands as possible. She moved one to her hobbies of painting and art. She wasn't a girl to just do what ever a man told her too or one that sat quiet as men talked politics, she would always put her two sence in and make sure everyone knew just were she stood. She was stubborn when it came to those things but then again that was expected of a women second in line to the thrown and most would say that she should have the honor of being Empress.

She ended her conversation as they pulled to a stop in front of the palace, she couldn't believe how beautiful everything was and she tired her best to take it all in. She turned her eyes to him as he stepped down from the chariot and took his hand for help down as well. She followed along behind him silent, he led her up the stairs to the entrance and her eyes fell on the Pharaoh as he approached them. She didn't know what to say to the man but she did give him a bright smile, Nikanor pulled her along again into the building and they stepped out into a large dining hall. It was filled with nobles, most being Greeks but there were a few Egyptians and a family of Romans that she picked out quickly because of their dress. Even though they were here she still felt so out of place compared to home, usually she was very talkative and had no problem making conversation but right now she was mute.

He led her along through the room to the two seat in the middle of the table and he positioned her to his left. She looked around now seeing them all looking at her as well as Nikanor now and she sat down quickly in her chair as she called out for the feast to begin. She pulled her hair over her shoulder now to comb it once more, she kept thinking that she must look like a mess and her eyes watched as the slaves came out with platter after platter of food. Lucia pulled her clothing away from her body, it was till wet with the oil and she was uncomfortable to not have her appearance perfect. As the music started a dancer appeared topless and her backside was barely covered. She couldn't help but to follow how the girl moved, such seductive movements in her city weren't exceptable in the public eye and she envied how the women could move. She ate a few things to try some new foods but she was so nervous that she couldn't really eat anything big.

 

[Altam]

Nikanor ate his food slowly, considering what Lucia had said to him on the chariot. Already at the mention of her brother being all between her and the throne did he consider the implications of this; if her brother was to tragically perish, it would only take some bribes and speeches to the Senate to make him the ruler of Rome. This thought, this fantasy, unlikely though it was, had his heart beating at twice its normal rate. He had, in the year between hearing of his betrothal and the wedding itself, studied Roman politics and knew the power of the Senate, as well as its previous displays of corruption. He decided not to inquire about it any further, for now at least. He was suddenly interrupted, first by a servant taking off his heavy golden headdress, briefly displaying his natural brown hair, before replacing it with a wig of fine, white cotton and red lines of silk, and second by his second cousin, Soter, who presented him with a small, wooden box. “Son of Pharaoh, please, accept this gift,” he said, not quite kneeling, but certainly bending his knees to a degree. Nikanor accepted it with a smile. “I do accept it, Soter. Please, sit,” he said, sending the older man away. Nikanor sighed as he realised it would be like this throughout the feast.

His new wife looked somehow interested in the dancer in front of them. He grinned, once again believing this marriage would be interesting. She did, however, seem uncomfortable in her clothes, which still had some traces of the fragrant sacred oil in her clothes; apparently it hadn’t quite dried out in the sun outside. He bent down and whispered in her ear, “It’ll dry out soon enough, and no-one will be able to see it; the scent will stay, of course,” he assured her. He suddenly realised that he was the focus of the party; a rare event, as that was usually either his father or his brother, the heir apparent. Glancing out and seeing quite a few eyes on him and Lucia, he touched her cheek, making her turn her head to his, and before she had a chance to react, he kissed her on the lips. He felt that she hadn’t expected this, but knowing he had to make the marriage look promising, he closed his eyes and kept his lips on hers, kissing her gently and with great experience, knowing exactly how to do it. A few people started clapping over the music, and Nikanor released Lucia. “You’d probably best get used to it,” he stated with a smile as their plates were being carried away, to be replaced with fruit, honey, and more bread.

Over the course of the next couple of hours, Nikanor was presented with several gifts, none of which he examined any further, before he finally grew tired of the constant disturbances and began to redirect gifts to his father. He knew the gifts were of ceremonial value only, and were of no real use to him, or his father, for that matter. He didn’t speak much with Lucia, actually telling her to stay silent on occasions where she tried to speak. He knew it wasn’t polite, but if this feast was to offend any of the guests, many of whom were sceptical of this arrangement, the scandal of it all would result in a political uproar in the aristocracy. The food was, as always, delicious, and apart from the initial two servings, the attendants were treated to several types of bread and luxurious, expensive meats, including crocodile. Nikanor didn’t eat any of the servings up, instead making sure he would be able to eat some of every dish. After everyone had eaten, the music changed from Egyptian to Greek, and the attendants stood up and began to dance. He held firmly onto Lucia’s wrist to make sure she wouldn’t stand up, as it was simply the host’s, meaning, in this case, his and her, duty to sit and oversee the dance in their honour in silence. It was dull, and tiring to watch after a long day.

After the dance, a few more gifts were presented to him, including a hundred camels from Sinai, which he trusted had been gathered over several years of taxing the local Bedouins there. Suddenly, however, the moment Nikanor had been waiting for came; loud brass instruments indicated the beginning of another large ceremony. Nikanor arose with his wife as soon as he heard it, whispering to her as everyone, apparently aware of what the music meant, began to clear out of the dining hall. He leaned down and spoke to Lucia over the noise of the people. “I hope you’re not nervous, because it’s time to consummate the marriage,” he said, almost warning her, as he dragged her into the stream of people, heading back to the chariot. The sky had gone dark, but it was still warm in Alexandria, and the stars were bright. It was perfect weather for a ceremony of such religious significance as the one that was about to transpire.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia grew rather bored just sitting there, she had stopped eating the food on her plate at the second course and she was lost in watching the dancers for some amusement. She looked over at Nikanor a few times as he was approached by person after person to present him and her with gifts. She didn't pay the ritual any mind and did her best not to look board. He had noticed that she had been worried about her appearance, she couldn't help it appearance was everything for her when she was in her lands. It was important for the princess of the Emperor to look flawless like one of their statues but here they didn't seem to mind in the slightest.

She was use to the eyes on her by now and she just ignored them but when he reached out to touch her cheek she was suddenly aware of them once more. He turned her head up to his and before she had a chance to do anything he pressed his lips against her own. She blushed instantly, she wasn't a stranger to a kiss but in public like this and the face that he had taken her by surprise made her reach in such a manner. She watched him as he closed his eyes and moments later she did as well. He was such a good kisser, she almost melted into the kiss and she returned it. As a few people began to clap he broke the kiss releasing her and she moved back against her set with a deep blush along her cheeks. She wanted to hide now, she turned to give him a look now not very pleased at his show of affection out in the public and his words only seem to irritated like she had no choice in the matter, she didn't care for that.

As the hours passed by he was presented with more gifts but she could tell that is was beginning to get tired of being disturbed and he sent them off to be given to his father. She tired to talk to him several times but he had interrupted her and told her to stay silent. It only surved to piss her off but she didn't show it on her face, when she finally got him alone she would tell him just how she felt and would put the man in his place. She didn't know how they treated their women in this country but he would soon know that was not how you treated the princess of the Roman kingdom.

She was relieved when the feast was finally over, the music changed to something she was more familiar with and she wanted to stand to dance as the others did for some fun but Nikanor held her wrist down to keep her in her seat. So the dancing was for their entertainment as well and the hole thing bored her. What fun was it to watch someone dance rather then dance yourself, sat there holding her head up with her free hand that wasn't being held down and she watched them as their figures moved to the music. A few more gifts were given but she wasn't paying attention and she almost jumped out of her skin when the brass instruments sounded. She wondered what was going on now, she was the only on that didn't know what was going on and the constant line of surprised didn't make her feel welcome at all.

She stood as he did, the room began to clear out as they began to head somewhere else and as he leaned over to whisper to her she looked up at him with a curious look on her face. They way he had said it was almost a warning, he began to drag her along once more back down to the chariot and she climbed in after him once more. "Why...why would i be nervous?" she asked now as the chariot began to move once more but to where she didn't know.

 

[Altam]

As the horse pulling the chariot starting moving, Nikanor shrugged at Lucia’s question, himself being a little nervous despite his previous experience. “Well, I was just thinking, this being your first time, and... in front of so many people,” he explained, guiding the horse through the streets near the palace, between estates of the wealthy and noble. A few people were looking out their windows or standing in the street to get a glance at the two newlyweds. Nikanor felt himself perspiring, wiping his forehead. Looking up at the stars briefly, he turned the chariot to follow their escort of soldiers. Not long afterwards, they were at a somewhat open plaza, with a shrine in the middle. The shrine was not large, but very well lit with braziers and torches, with an altar in the middle, decorated on the front with hieroglyphic blessings. At the altar, a priestess of Isis was chanting to the crowd, which was kept at a distance by armed guards. Nikanor stopped the chariot and stepped off, taking Lucia by the hand.

They were greeted by the priestess, who kneeled briefly before instructing them to disrobe, and stepping away. As they stood there, building up the courage, two naked acolytes, one male and one female, approached them with bowed heads, holding up to them cups of a warm, nicely smelling liquid. The male kneeled in front of Lucia, holding up his cup and making no effort to disguise his rampant erection. The female seemed to be equally distressed as she knelt before Nikanor, though it was not as obvious to spot on her. Nikanor spoke softly, making sure no-one heard him but Lucia: “I, ah, believe this is an aphrodisiac,” he said, before turning his head and trying to summon forth at least the shadow of a calming smile, “Not that I’d need one.”

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia held onto Nikanor as the chariot started to move once more and she looked up at him to see he was a bit nervous as well. It made her feel a bit better but from the sounds of it he was fare more experienced at this then her and she hopped she would be too bad. She tensed suddenly as he spoke adding that part at the end, "What are you talking about in front of so many people?" She looked out in front of them now as they traveled the streets, people craned their heads out of the windows to see the two of them together and it made her blush deeply. Her eyes moved to the shrine now and then to the altar in the center. She couldn't believe, there was no way in hell she was going to have sex with him in front of everyone and as the chariot pulled to a stop she just sat there.

She watched him as he stepped off and she refused to move but he took her by the hand pulling her off with him. Her eyes moved to the priestess who greeted them kneeling briefly and the told them to disrobe. She was about to say something to him until two naked people came up to them bowing their heads and holding up cups to them. The male stood before her his excitement very apparent before her, she blushed looking away from him as he knelt down before her and her eyes moved to Nikanor now to speak to him in Latin she he should be able to understand because she simplified it for him. "I don't think i can do this..." She said as the male moved the cup closer to her and put it right into her hands. She looked down into the liquid remembering what her father had told her, 'daughter they may have some rituals that are strange to you but you must have courage and do them because if you reject them it might hurt the peace this marriage is to form between us.'

Lucia swallowed slowly as she moved to raise the cup to her lips and drank down the entire cup full. If it was an aphrodisiac maybe she could just let herself get lost in the lust that she won't even realize that the hole city was watching them. The man took back the cup from her, she could already feel it starting to work because her body was slowly growing hot and her cheeks when flush as she looked to Nikanor once more.

 

[Altam]

Nikanor sighed as he heard Lucia speaking Latin to him. He understood, and nodded, but understood there was nothing he could do as he started drinking from his own cup. Seconds later, after the female acolyte had left with the cup, he felt its effects as he got a look at the acolyte’s backside as she walked away. He grew excited, though not enough to lose himself completely. He undid his loincloth and let it drop, revealing a hardening erection. He turned to Lucia, kissed her on the lips, and began to slide her stola off of her. As she became more and more exposed, he let his hand wander over her body, before finally letting it rest between her legs. He masterfully let his fingers rub over her sex, turning her back to the altar and beginning to lean her down over it. Unlike the previous ceremony, during which the audience had been very loud, there was a complete, contemplative, almost holy silence over the Egyptian crowd. All eyes were on them, and there was no turning back.

Nikanor whispered in her ear, his hand still rubbing her gently and readying her. “If you’ve got any questions, or anything you want to say, now’s the time...” He kissed her cheek, moving his head down her neck, and reaching her upper chest before raising his head to get a better look at her. She was beautiful, he could see that, and judging by her face, the way her chest heaved, and her stiff nipples, she was excited, too. Whether this was simply a result of the aphrodisiac, or if she was enjoying his attentions, was beyond him. He glanced down at himself, and found that he was at full attention, his hardness pointing almost straight upwards. Gripping his shaft and pulling his foreskin back, he waited for Lucia to say something before entering, though it was a hard wait. He couldn’t wait to be in her, and now he truly felt the effect of the substance he had just drunk, feeling tempted to enter her immediately. He hoped to all his gods he wouldn’t completely lose himself.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia watched as the two servants walked away, she couldn't help but to look at both of them and it was strange how both man and female forms turned her on. She shook the thought from her mind as she watched him drink from his own cup, she was so very hot now and she could feel herself going wet between her legs. She blushed deeply as he undid his loincloth letting it drop to the ground and her eyes locked on his hardening erection. When he turned to her and kissed her, her body grew tense. She could feel him sliding her stola off her body but she didn't stop him, she didn't have a choice in the matter this was something she had to do for her father and or her people.

She closed her eyes now once she was completely naked besides him and she could feel his fingers moving over her milky smooth skin. She jumped her eyes opening quickly to look up at him as his fingers rub over her sex between her legs and he turned her back to the alter leaning her down over it. She gasped out feeling how cold it was against her body that felt like it was almost on fire, she looked up at him watching him as she lay there and she moaned softly as he continued to rub her gently. He leaned over to whisper to her asking her if there was anything she wanted to say or questions. How could she even think right now, what he was doing to her was making her mind hazy and she could barely think straight. She shook her get gently, he kissed her cheek, moving it down her neck to her upper chest and she looked down at him as he looked up at her. She could see how hard he was now, it made her grow even wetter and she want so badly to feel him inside of her. She had waited such a long time to know what it felt like to be with a man and now that it was happening she didn't want to wait.

 

[Altam]

He groaned lightly when he saw her shaking her head, and glanced out at the crowd, which stood and watched silently. Kissing his bride on the lips again, he pressed his hardness into her sex. Grinning as he found her already wet, he started steadily beginning a rhythm, pumping his cock into her. Growling with lust, he found that the drug apparently also increased the pleasure felt. Much noisier than he usually was, he struggled to not lose all his senses, instead continuing the rhythmical thrusting and biting lightly into Lucia’s neck. His hands roamed all over her, from her breasts, down over her sides, to resting on her sides, which he lifted up and put under his arms, giving him better access. Knowing it was her first time, he made an effort to make her feel good, hoping he would be able to give her an orgasm as good as the one he was surely going to get. He wanted to say something, but his mind was too hazy, too clouded with lust for him to think of any coherent sentences.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia watched him as he looked out at the crowd, she didn't dare to look out at them, she wanted to pretend that they weren't even there and it was getting easy for her as her mind grew fuzzier. He turned to kiss her again, his lips felt so good against her own as he returned it and it distracted her as he pressed into her tight virgin sex. She broke the kiss crying out in pain as he pushed his way through, she could feel something running down the inside of her legs and her blood stained the alter as he took her virginity. She moved her hands to grip the edges of the alter as he began to push in and out of her at a steady pace giving her time to get use to his side as well as to relax. The motions in and out of her made her feel such a pleasure she never thought possible. She gasped out as he bit lightly into her neck, she liked the action and moved her head to lay to the side leaving her neck open to him.

She could feel his hands roam over her body, his touch was so light and soft that it sent a chill down her spine. His hands moved down her sides and he moved his arms under her legs. She lay there her chest rising and falling softly as he continued to move inside of her. She wasn't as tight now as she had been and all she could feel is pleasure moving over every inch of her body. Her body was flush now a soft pink, it looked wet because of the sweat that coated her skin and it trembled at the affects of the drink she was given. Her eyes were clouded with lust as she looked up at him, her mind could barely comprehend anything more then the pleasure overcoming her and the only thing she could think of as she lay there moaning is that she wanted more.

 

[Altam]

Nikanor had not stopped when Lucia cried out in pain, nor had he stopped when the bleeding began, instead carrying on relentlessly, in equal part because of his state and the fact that she quickly seemed to start enjoying herself again, as did he.Groaning, he let go of Lucia's legs, and continued to kiss, nibble and bite on her neck as one of his hands grabbed one of her her breasts, kneading its softness roughly. He pumped in and out of her, his member twitching at the sensation of how tight she was, despite her wetness. He released her breast and started running his hand through her hair. He then put his hands on the edges of the altar and supported himself on them.

Wanting Lucia to enjoy the experience as much as possible, he took her wrist in his hand, and led her hand down between her legs, to her clitoris. He then released and let her do whatever she wanted to do herself, holding himself above her. Elevated by his toned arms, he once again looked down at his wife's body, the sweat making her skin glisten in the light from all the nearby fire. Leaning his head down, he decided to speak, feeling himself getting closer and closer to the edge. ”Tell me you love me,” he groaned breathily into her ear, before biting its lobe, pinching it hard between his front teeth.

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia let her legs lay where he had let them go, she couldn't take her eyes off of his as he hovered above her and continued to thrust into her relentlessly. He continued to kiss, nibble and bit along her neck which only made her cry out louder. She arched her back as he grasped one of the breasts and he pulled at it roughly. It was strange to have someone treating her so roughly, she had been handled like she was a priceless jewel her entire life and now Nikanor grasped, pulled and bite her body as if it could withstand anything. She could feel her wetness beginning to drip down the inside of her legs from her excitement, he released her breast and her eyes turned to watch him as he ran his hand through her long hair. She looked up at him once more as he moved his hands to rest on the edges of the alter, she could feel something beginning to build inside of her and it felt so good.

She didn't fight him ad he reached out for her wrist and moved her hand down between her legs to press against her clitoris. She gasped out as she felt the wave of pleasure move over her slick body, he released her now and she couldn't help but to let her fingers rub the rub softly. Her body was beginning to tremble softly as she cried out in her moans of pleasure not caring who heard or was watching her. She had been so wrapped up in the pleasure she was feeling that she didn't notice him leaning over her once again until she heard his voice and her clouded eyes locked onto his own. Could she saw such a thing if she didn't mean it, she had met the man only hour ago and he wanted her to say that she loved him. His groan into her ear and then the hard bit on her lobe changed her mind. "I love you..." She almost screamed out as she began to feel like something was exploding inside of her, she grew stiff her sex growing tighter around his cock and her body began to tremble as the waves of pleasure from her orgasm washed over her body.

 

[Altam]

Feeling, and hearing, the effects of Lucia's orgasm, Nikanor was pushed over the edge himself. With a groan, he came inside her, shooting his seed into her. The orgasm was mind-numbing, and he was left completely in awe of the sensation. It feels like fucking Isis herself, he thought, not minding the blasphemy he committed. Once he thought he was quite done, he pulled out of her sex, only to be hit by some sort of aftershock, shooting another few drops of seed onto her stomach. He took her by the wrist again, this time helping her stand up, and began to dress himself again, only needing to put on the loincloth. The priestess from before approached, not minding the two newly-weds, and stood behind the altar and began to preach loudly to the crowd, who soon began cheering loudly.

Nikanor smiled as he watched his wife getting dressed. He looked forward to having her again, but was exhausted for now. He glanced down at the chariot, which still stood where he had left it, along with their escort. Smiling, he led Lucia back to it, and began driving it slowly back to the palace. “I hope you liked it,” he said to her as he glanced over her face and body again. “I know I did.” As they got closer to the palace, he looked at her again. “Now, you were obviously a virgin, but... this isn't the first time you've felt such pleasure before, is it? I mean, have you touched yourself before?” he asked, perhaps a little personal, but he justified it to himself in the fact that she was his wife.

As soon as they reached the palace, he led her inside. It was empty and quiet, save the guards and the slaves wandering around, making sure the place was clean and orderly. He led her to his bedroom, which was very large, furnished with a large bed, a variety of (mostly erotic) sculptures and paintings, both Greek and Egyptian, and a stage. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he looked up at Lucia and realised that he was going to share his bed with her every night they were together. Feeling a little nervous suddenly, he lay down, scooting in to let her get next to him. Breaking a long silence, he spoke: “I... could get the Nubian dancer from the feast in here. You seemed to like her.”

 

[CandyLips]

Lucia cried out again as he came inside of her, she could feel him filling her with his seed and she was in such extacy that she couldn't think as she lay there. She gasped softly as he began to pull out of her, her head lay to the side limp in her exhaustion when she felt something shoot onto her stomach and she felt him take her wrist again. He helped her to her feet and she had to rest against the alter for a few moments as he dressed. She did as well, she could still feel that affects of what she had drank and it kept her from freaking out a bit as the crowd broke out into a loud cheer.

Lucia looked at him now as she felt his eyes on her, she pulled her clothing back into place grabbing her sandles as he led them back to the chariot and she climbed up after him. As it began to move again she sat there quiet, her body still felt so hot to her and it only urged for more of the pleasure she had felt. She jumped as he finally spoke blushing it his words as well as his question, "I did enjoy it...i've....never touched myself before." she said not quiet understanding his words at first, "That is the first time ive ever felt anything like that before." It grew quiet between them once more as the arrived at the palace once again, he held her through the now quiet halls to what she assumed was going to be his room and it helped her to know that she could finally relax and get away from all the people.

As she walked through the door way she wasn't surprised at how his room was decorated, erotic sculptures and paintings were every where but what she found curious was the stage in his room. She stood at the edge of the bed as he laid down, she was so tired but it felt odd to sleep next to a man she had just met but as he scooted in she lay down besides him on her back anyways. Her long wavy brown hair spread out around her head as she looked up at the ceiling, she turned her head to look at him now as he mentioned the dancer from the feast and her green eyes simply looked at him for a moment. She looked back to the ceiling once more, "I liked how she could dance...ive never seen anyone move like that before..."

 

[Altam]

Nikanor smiled and rose up, already feeling a little excited again. ”I'll go get her. She's one of my favourite dancers, too,” he mentioned, then stepped out and began walking. He was still feeling the effects of the aphrodisiac, his member standing half at attention and poking against his clothes. The fact that all the female slaves wore scant clothing did little to counter this fact, as did the nervous blush on their face when they noticed. He made his way to the dancers' quarters, and knocked. It didn't take long for the door to be opened. In the doorway stood a pretty, young Phoenician girl, clearly getting ready to go to bed. She quickly got tense when she saw who it was. ”My lord!” she said quickly, ”What brings you here this hour?”

He smiled, looking her over quickly before getting to the task at hand. ”Get the Nubian dancer; my wife's order.” The Phoenician bowed, and stepped inside. Nikanor opened the door, and saw a large amount of young women, some of the best dancers in the world, preparing for bed or already sleeping. The girl who'd answered the door went through a side door and returned with the Nubian; her skin was dark, almost completely black, her hair even blacker. It was braided and long, though some of the braids were undone already, revealing her hair's curliness. Nikanor's eyes went further down her beautiful dark body and found, to his surprise, that she was naked – in her hurry, she had not gotten dressed to meet him. Her breasts were pert, with small dark nipples, her bottom was round and luscious, and, as his eyes wandered between her legs, he found she had a decent amount of curly, black hair. Nikanor's hardness twitched. She was beautiful, and he couldn't wait to see her dance again. ”Get ready to dance,” he told her in Egyptian, as he doubted she spoke Greek, ”and come to my bedroom. My wife wishes a performance.”

The dancer quickly complied. After only a few minutes, she arrived with her hair done, her make-up fixed, and her decorative, tan, short skirt on. Nikanor smiled at her and nodded, before turning around and leading her on down the palace halls to his room. She seemed a little nervous, but didn't say anything; probably afraid of punishment. He decided to calm her down a little; ”She specifically asked for you, you know,” he said, smiling a little She still didn't answer, and Nikanor sighed as they went the rest of the way to his room silently. Finally arriving, he opened the door. ”Here she is, my love,” he said, presenting the dancer. She positioned herself on the stage, looking around as Nikanor lay down. He thought for a second, then decided, ”No, come down here, in front of the bed.” He turned his head to look at Lucia, raising his hand to stroke her hair. ”I hope you enjoy the show,” he whispered, as the dark-skinned girl in front of them began to dance.

Though there was no music, the dance lacked no rhythm, shaking the barely-clothed body enticingly, impressively. She seemed so confident in her movement, so passionate about her dance, and completely untouched by her practical nudity. Bearing in mind that it was Lucia who had ordered the performance, she made eye contact with her and seemed to connect personally on some level. Feeling almost like a voyeur didn't stop Nikanor from softly touching his hardness under the thin, white covers.