End Chapter 7

     So it was,  the sun had long since set and the oil lamps were brightly burning as the huge feast was served to the eighty or so women and men gathered at the long wooden tables with benches. This seating arrangement was most beneficial to the women as they had to squeeze up close to the men, one handsome dark eyed man on either side. Here King Vyakles introduced his most trusted and bravest officer, Navarchos/Admiral Vasha in charge of the Naval Fleet, to Thera and she was well pleased by the king's recommendation for the breeding season. Thera sat there in the middle of Vy and Vasha as they sat and ate, and drank, and spoke with one another talking of common things
     Now as soon as Vasha sat down next to Thera his heart was immediately taken by this gorgeous, red- haired woman, with the brightest green eyes; which sparkled by the light of the candles on the table as they sat out in the warm night under the cherry trees, and the twinkling stars, with just a sliver of the silver moon in the shape of a bow on the eastern horizon. He glanced down at her long, tan, well- toned legs and muscular thighs; which were exposed when the folds of her white linen gown were moved and lifted a little by the wind. Her long, soft, copper colored hair blew in light wisps against his arm as Vasha sat beside her, she had a smile that could lift the heart of a nation and she smelled of jasmine flowers. Vasha did his best to catch her eye and interest through his charm and stories of the sea, but Vasha knew Thera was far too taken by his king.
     Thera thanked the king saying Vasha, by far, would be the best choice out of his men, and this was true, but as long as Thera was in the company of King Vyakles all her attention and concentration of heart and mind was solely focused on the king. So there she sat enjoying the delicious food prepared and spread before them, the king called for all the amphora's of sweet Themiscyran red wine to be opened. Many bonds would be formed tonight from this feasting and Thera knew as she watched over the long course of dinner her beautiful drunken ladies becoming more enamoured with the men, exchanging passionate glances, stealing kisses here and there. Thera by the hour became so enamoured herself with King Vyakles she had flashes of drunken thoughts of breeding with the king. Now she could, of course, like all free people choose to do what ever she would allow herself to do, but here she would never allow herself to go so far as to break the law of her nation. The men of Sparta have also sworn allegiance to their wives and would never dishonor their betrothed by taking another woman. This is when these thoughts along with the oysters and wine began to turn her stomach. Thera said nothing of this as the night drew to a close and the candles burned down soon the king would return to Sparta to the bed of his queen and Thera was left at the table with Vasha who saw Thera's reaction in mood to the king's departure. Where she once was happily laughing with an incredible lightness of being that, had she the power of flight, could have just floated away up into the sky so elated was she in mood. Yet now here, alone with Vasha, a great weight had been brought down on her mood and she even seemed to sink down on the bench. This made Vasha think of a wet bird, who has the power to fly, but the heavy weight of the water refuses to let it fly free. Vasha drank another portion of wine with this beautiful 'wet swan' and he did his best to improve her mood, but only the king himself could achieve such great a task.
     So it was, Thera seeing, and hearing, the procreation of the others, requested Vasha escort her back to her private tent, he was more than happy to do so. Now, as they bid goodnight, Vasha had been informed at dinner that these women carry with them a little golden statue; and if she gives you her tiny statue this is the sign that you have been selected for the season. Now Vasha knew, of course, Thera had no intention of giving her statue to him this night. He knew, of course, he would try again, for his king would not avail himself to the breeding season and Vasha was hereby determined to break Thera from the spell and intrigue of the king.