forum Over My Dead Body (Closed)

Started December 28, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

( @FanfictionFanatic)

The sun rose on the horizon, and with it, Cleopatra. She stirred between her silk sheets, finally waking to discover a woman in front of her still sleeping. The queen hesitated a moment, especially when another pair of arms were wrapped around her abdomen from behind. These arms, however, were clearly belonging to a man. She winced slightly at the light and blinked to get her eyes to adjust. Oh gods… what happened last night?

Whoever the body behind her was, he began to wake as well. One of his arms moved up, and she felt him brush her honey-colored hair out of the way to seductively kiss her neck and down toward her shoulder. Cleopatra's lips parted, and she tried not to moan. Who is he? Who is she? How much wine did I drink last night? Obviously too much.

Now the woman was beginning to wake. Her eyes flickered open, and she smiled when she saw Cleopatra looking at her. "Good morning, Your Majesty," she cooed, lifting her hand up and lacing her fingers easily in Cleopatra's hair. She drew her in for a deep kiss, and the queen didn't protest. Instead, she reached toward the girl and pulled her closer. All of their legs were tangled together, and Cleopatra was in heaven. She was done trying to piece together the night before. She was delighted here and now. A gorgeous woman was kissing her, and behind her, she hoped it was a gorgeous man who was doing the same.

The woman's tongue slipped into her mouth, but Cleopatra wasn't one to be dominated. Not in bed, and not on the battlefield. She was a conquering queen and a dominant woman. So she forced her own tongue into the mystery woman's mouth, causing her to gasp.

From behind her, the man, not wanting to be left out, started sucking on Cleopatra's neck and slid his knee up between her thighs. Cleopatra moaned passionately and was about to reach behind her, but before things could continue, a woman's voice outside her tent spoke.

"Your Majesty? Your court requests your presence."

Breathless and reluctant, Cleopatra drew back from her lovers and sat up. The morning air felt cool against her naked breasts, but she didn't bother covering them. Obviously whoever the man and woman in her bed were had already seen them, and it wasn't like she wasn't confident about her appearance.

A finger – she couldn't tell whose – began to trace the outline of the snakes on her lower back. The queen closed her eyes and stifled another moan. Fuck! Her eyes opened again, and she noted the distinctive outline of the woman outside her tent. Charmion.

"Very well," Cleopatra replied reluctantly. "Tell them I require a change of clothes first, then I shall bless their dry meeting with my appearance."

Charmion smirked from the other side of the silk tent. "Yes, my Queen."

Cleopatra looked over her shoulder to see the man and woman in her bed making out together. "Oh, for the love of the gods, go on and fuck elsewhere."

They both looked at her, startled, before sliding out of her bed and dressing themselves only to run for the army of tents below Cleopatra's to do as their queen wished.

She rolled her eyes while she slipped from the sheets and into a white blouse, black pants, and a maroon and gold half-vest-half-cardigan. A few more moments were dedicated to her hair to make sure it looked less maniacal. Once her honey waves were lovely and her makeup was suitable, Cleopatra strode from her tent and didn't stop walking until she entered the long tent her council occupied. They rose for her, and she stood at the head of the table, eyeing them all sharply.

"What in the world do you want now?" she demanded. Well, at least she hadn't called them all idiots this time.

(Wow. What a starter. 😳)

The monarch of Sarratin had ascended to his throne in a more traditional way. Rather than conquering, Corym Thalnis had been born as the eldest child and firstborn son of his parents, who had died when he was just sixteen. And while he had studied and prepared for most of his young life… He still felt woefully inferior compared to his parents.

Corym had been awake since dawn, as usual, to complete some morning training before going about his studies. Even now, in his early thirties, he was quite a scholar and trying to prove himself as a good, strong ruler. Overall his kingdom had stood its ground but he was still looking for better ways to improve the lives of his people.

Some thought that just because he had Fae blood, he was wiser than he really was or that he had some hidden reserve of great magic. For the sake of protecting his people and his kingdom, he was not about to correct those rumors. He was proud of his heritage and even pulled back his rich brown hair back to show off his slightly pointed ears. But any reserve of magic he had was not nearly as impressive as it was made out to be.

Right now, however, he wished he had a fraction of that actual power as he felt his ears twitch in annoyance as he looked at his normally beloved sister’s bright smile. “Tetra… I understand the tradition of this festival and how much you enjoy celebrating but this is hardly the time…”

“Don't be such a spoilsport.” the Princess chided. “I never said you had to follow that tradition. Just that when they arrive, you should at least be polite and dance with them.” she pointed out, knowing how reluctant her brother was.

“I will.” he sighed, pursing his already thin lips together. “But did you have to send an invitation to all three of her kingdoms?”

(Yep… meet Cleopatra 😂)

"Y-Your Majesty," a stammering nobleman began on her left side began. Cleopatra inclined her head toward him, motioning for him to continue, but she couldn't remember his name. Have I slept with him? "The soldiers are exhausted, as are we. Perhaps it's time we return to the capital for rest." No, definitely not, she thought decidedly, her lip curling with annoyance. I don't sleep with cowards.

The queen slammed her palms down on the table, making her bracelets fly up her forearms. Everyone in the tent flinched at her action but Charmion. Cleopatra's handmaiden knew what to expect by now.

"I won't hear of cowardice among my court," she snarled out. "We are a conquering nation, and so we will do just that. We. Will. Conquer."

During her war party, two kingdoms had already fallen at her feet. Now, she'd been coronated three times and was a thrice-crowned queen of Allikos, Peidest, and Clarion. She refused to stop until every nation took a knee before her throne and her crowns. Though the crowns were not something Cleopatra preferred to wear unless it was for a ceremonial purpose.

In fact, as a representation of each nation, she was a queen of, a precious gemstone representing the previous royal colors was added to the golden choker she wore around her throat. It already had three sparkling jewels hanging from it. A ruby (her homeland of Allikos), an emerald (Peidest), and an amethyst (Clarion). There were six more kingdoms in her way, but Cleopatra was unfazed. She would conquer, just as she always had done. Every king or queen of his or her land would be forced to surrender their crown and title to her. The thought made Cleopatra dizzy with excitement.

But she quickly focused back on the man who spoke, narrowing her sharp hazel eyes at him as she dragged out her question. "Am I understood?"

"Y-Yes, Y-Your Majesty," the nobleman stammered, but Cleopatra was no longer looking at him. Another nobleman had caught her eye.

"Lord Cyprus," she said suddenly.

The man in question sat up straighter. "Yes, my Queen?"

"What is on your mind? Would you mind sharing it with the rest of the court?" There was something behind his expression that Cleopatra couldn't guess. An emotion she couldn't pinpoint. And she was desperate to know what it was.

The queen was not one for wasting time, especially when it was precious to her goal. The sooner she conquered every throne in her way and became the High Queen Regnant of the continent, the sooner the legacy of her shit-faced father was replaced by her own. And that was something the thrice-crowned queen was looking forward to more than anything.

Cyprus dipped his head and motioned to the three parchment envelopes on the table before her that Cleopatra just noticed. "We've received correspondence from King Corym of Sarratin."

Cleopatra eyed the letters with great interest. "Finally, something not boring," she said aloud, not caring how many council members heard it. All of them – every single one of them – were men who were left over from her father's court. She planned on changing that immediately once they got back to Allikos. "But while I'm in the middle of a war campaign?" she added, almost as an afterthought.

It finally occurred to her that there were three envelopes in front of her. Three. It was amusing and infuriating at the same time. Peidest and Clarion were a part of her reign now. Technically, they didn't exist anymore. It was only the growing Allikos empire. And Corym wasn't even acknowledging it, still treating Peidest and Clarion as separate nations.

Cleopatra bit down on her tongue to keep from ripping the two spare envelopes to shreds. Self-control was not one of her strong points, so she was thanking the gods that they granted her enough for this one moment. She slowly took the middle envelope labeled 'Allikos' in her hands and broke the royal seal on the back.

All her courtiers seemed to hold their breath, waiting for her to reveal the contents of the parchment.

"Well… I suppose this is an offer I can't turn down," Cleopatra purred. "He's invited my crowns and my court to a traditional Sarratinian festival." She looked up and eyed the male-dominated table through her lashes. "I suppose we have change of plans. General Nailah!"

The old general met her eyes with his steely gray gaze. "Your Majesty."

"Prepare to send the majority of our troops back to Allikos. A small battalion, my court, and I will travel to Sarratin."

Corym finished lecturing his sister on the diplomatic error of sending the three invitations but understood that she meant no offense. His sister was smart enough, she just didn't fully understand politics. At least she apologized to him for all the extra work she had made but he still needed to find a way to apologize to the Conquering Queen herself. If he had been anyone else, he would be tearing his hair out at the thought. As it was he was too busy with all the preparations for the festival and the arrival of all the guests on top of his usual duties.

“Monroe?” he asked, feeling the other’s presence nearby.

“Yes, my King?” a familiar voice answered as he entered the room.

Corym sighed a little and leaned back in his chair. “How is everything going for the festival?”

“As well as ever.” Monroe answered, a faint smile flickering across his face. “We have done this many times before.”

“I know.” the king chuckled briefly. “I just… I want everything to go right.”

“Oh? Finally going to fulfill your part of the tradition?” the younger copper redhead teased.

“Not you too, Monroe!” Corym groaned. “I’m in no hurry and, as you well know, I have yet to meet anyone who could hold my interest or be worthy.” he scoffed, a bit of his arrogance making an appearance.

Monroe sighed, rolling his eyes, as they had this conversation before. “You’re hopeless, old friend.”

“And you are as annoying as Tetra. But for now, I need something to take my mind off this whole situation.” Corym said casually despite the mischievous smirk growing on his face. “Spar with me a while?”

Cleopatra retired to her tent to discover her collection of ladies in waiitng were beginning to pack up her things already. News travels fast, she thought. The ladies froze at her appearance, but Cleopatra waved her hand dismissively at them. "Don't mind me. Continue. We must be bound for Sarratin by midday if we are to be on time for the festival."

The woman quickly resumed their work, some shooting glances at each other when they were sure the queen wasn't looking.

"Cleopatra," Charmion said, brushing through the white sheet that provided entrance to the queen's private enclave. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Cleopatra asked, perching herself on the edge of her bed and motioning for Charmion to join her.

The handmaiden did so and sighed. "Your previous encounters with King Corym have been… less than favorable. May I remind you that you despise him?"

Cleopatra scoffed with both amusement and indignation. "You think I don't realize that, Charmion? I'm well aware of the interactions I've had with Corym."

"Then why?" Charmion asked quietly. "Why are you taking your courtiers and yourself on the journey to Sarratin if all you know it will do is result in trouble?"

The queen gazed pensively at her handmaiden. "Charmion… you know my reputation. I'm the Conquering Queen. All the monarchs know my plans, they know what I desire, and they all resent me for it. Corym is one of many who hate me for my actions as queen. The least I can do is… try to mend some of the bonds. Hopefully, it will help his own courtiers become more supportive of me in my endeavors when in the future my troops are marching through Sarratin land."

Charmion narrowed her eyes slightly and studied the woman in front of her. "When did you get so wise, Your Majesty?" she teased.

Cleopatra threw her head back and laughed a wild laugh. "Oh, Charmion! How you amuse me with your flattery." She leaned forward and kissed Charmion's cheek softly. Her handmaiden returned the action. The pair were immensely close – the closest thing each of them had to a sister.

Corym smirked dangerously as he looked at Monroe, pinned beneath him. The spar had initially started with practice swords that had been carefully balanced and weighed so there wasn't much difference between them and the real thing but had soon progressed to hand-to-hand combat. The pair had always been very closely matched but Monroe knew never to go easy against his King and never let him win.

“You’re getting better.” Corym sighed as he stood and released his friend.

Monroe smiled briefly as he sat up. “So are you. I think you nearly took my head off at one point.”

Corym actually laughed as he splashed some water on his face. “Maybe. But you still move fast.” he pointed out. “Thank you for the match, my friend.”

“Of course.” Monroe nodded as he grabbed his shirt and threw the other at his sparring partner. “But now, we both need to wash up and get dressed. The festival starts at sundown and you need to be presentable to greet the guests.”

Corym spluttered a bit as his shirt hit him in the face before he managed to respond. “I know that.” he growled, his dark blue eyes flashing with ice. But he said nothing more and simply walked off the training grounds, back to his room.

Monroe and Tetra were the only ones who were able to get such a rise out of him. No one else ever dared to try. But, honestly, he preferred that as it made it easier to be a calm and caring king to everyone else… Though the Conquering Queen had her own irritating way of getting under his skin. She won't get the better of me this time…

(I hope you don't mind my timeskipping a bit. I didn't want to drag our their journey for too long)

By midday, the Queen of Allikos, Peidest, and Clarion and her courtiers were off again, headed towards the distant land of Sarratin and its capital city. Cleopatra rode her own horse at the head of the traveling party, despite protests from her general and high-ranking soldiers. They worried about her falling from her horse or potentially being targeted as they got closer to the city. The queen worried about telling them to fuck off.

As a compromise, thanks to Charmion's help, Cleopatra wore her maroon breastplate and appropriately fitting armor. Her hair had been styled by her ladies-in-waiting, and she looked positively vicious.

But the longer she spent time on horseback and the closer Sarratin got, the more anxious Cleopatra became. She despised the feeling horribly and banished it from her mind. But the horrible wrenching sensation in her stomach refused to go away.

"Charmion!" she called out, not looking back. She heard another horse ride up beside hers, only keeping a step behind out of respect for the hierarchy.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

The queen glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice as she spoke. "Do you truly think this is a mistake?"

The handmaiden looked surprised. "No, my Queen. I think it's as diplomatic of a resolution as you can ask for."

Cleopatra relaxed a bit more in her saddle. "Thank you."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Charmion offered a reassuring smile before falling back into her place.

Soon, the city was within sight. And even sooner, they were at its gates. Cleopatra's resolve strengthened. This palace would be hers someday. It was only a matter of time. And a proper siege attempt, of course.

(I don't mind. But quick question, what are the colors for Sarratin? I can't remember if we talked about it or not)

King Corym let out a steadying breath as he adjusted his stiff shirt and brushed an invisible speck from his traditional cloak. Even though he would be… polite to his guests he had no intention of tolerating any hostility from her or her courts. He was also not one to be trifled with. Determined to protect his kingdom from any threat.

Maybe she won't come… He quickly shook that thought away. “Of course, she’ll come. Receiving three invitations; she’ll either think I’m an idiot or spit in my face,” he grumbled as he walked to the throne room.

“Well, don't you look handsome.” Tetra giggled from her throne, the silver loops from her diadem chiming softly as she moved her head.

Corym sighed but managed to sit regally despite his crown feeling like it was pressing uncomfortably against his ears. “Please just behave yourself, sister. And stay alert.” he added in a lower tone before the doors opened.

(We did not, and I don’t have any picked out. Here are all of the other ones though)
Versia — Royal blue and gold
Tervenia — Maroon and orange
Merrianth — Purple and black
Blackstone — Black and silver
Allikos — Red and gold
Peidest — Green and bronze (formerly)
Clarion — Purple and yellow (formerly)
Reinerre — Navy blue and white

Just outside the gates, Cleopatra halted the precession. She dismounted and disappeared into a quickly-made makeshift tent for her ladies to prep her for her entrance. She re-emerged moments later.

Her armor was gone, and her hair had been taken out of its bun.

Now she wore much more queenly attire. Her light golden dress was well-fitting, and it flattered her tanned skin and many beautiful curves while emphasizing her breasts nicely. Her hair was half up, half down, and a golden clip held it in place.

She wore thin golden sandals, jewel-studded anklets on both of her ankles, and bangles around both of her wrists. There were no crowns on her head, simply the choker around her throat. It caught the light of the sun and glittered with dazzling golden light.

Her makeup had been touched up, and overall, she looked ravishing.

The queen, however, didn’t get back up on her horse. She strode through the gates as if she was already the ruler of the city, earning some dirty looks from citizens who recognized her. Cleopatra spared no one a second glance. She was the thrice-crowned queen, not them. It would be her name that was remembered, not theirs.

With stunning authority, she marched into the throne room of the palace with her courts trailing her at a humble distance.

“Presenting Queen Cleopatra, thrice queen of Allikos, Peidest, and Clarion,” called out General Nailah.

Cleopatra’s steps didn’t falter, and she maintained her pace toward the foot of Corym’s throne with her hips swaying confidently. She stopped, finally, at the foot of it and made deliberate, intense eye contact with him.

“King Corym,” she said, her voice carrying a commanding tone. “It was a pleasure to receive your invitations.” She lingered momentarily on the ‘s’ in invitations before continuing. “My court and I are delighted to be welcomed to Sarratin and participate in your festival.”

King Corym sat a little straighter when Queen Cleopatra was announced, keeping a calm impassive expression as she spoke. “We are honored that you are able to join us,” he replied, ignoring the brief twitch of his ear at her subtle jab. “How fortunate that you received them all. Though I must apologize for the inconvenience of the extras. Apparently, our scribe was unsure which kingdom to send your invitation to and took the liberty to send one to each of your newly acquired kingdoms.” he offered as an explanation, having decided not to mention that it was actually his sister who caused the mishap.

“It really is a privilege to have you at our festival this year.” Tetra smiled politely, her voice carrying nothing but sincerity.

Cleopatra smirked at his apology and noted the small twitch of his ear. She'd annoyed him long enough that she knew his tells well enough to spot them, even from a distance.

"I understand," she cooed sweetly. "We all make mistakes, Corym. It's nothing to be ashamed of… though they did all make their way to me. In the future, just one to Allikos will do. Make sure to pass my message on to your scribe, if you please."

She turned her attention to the other throne and offered a polite smile in return. "Princess Tetra. The privilege is mine. It's always a pleasure to see you, darling."

Tetra giggled softly and gave a grateful nod in return while Corym didn't offer any physical response to the visiting Queen’s comment.

“I will pass on your generous understanding and deal with any future mishaps personally,” the King assured, though some of his words had a slightly exaggerated tone. “But for now, I hope that the rest of our kingdom’s traditional festival goes amicably and that you and your courts enjoy your visit.” he said a bit more sincerely with a slight emphasis on the fact that the thrice crowned Queen was only here to visit.

Cleopatra didn't lower herself in any way before them whether a nod, a bow, or a curtsey. She was a thrice-crowned queen and would lower herself for no one. Technically, they should be bowing to her. Instead, she lifted her chin, both presenting an air of authority and showing off her golden choker. The red, green, and purple gems practically glowed as they caught the light – just as Cleopatra orchestrated it.

"Of course," she purred. She noted the slight emphasis placed on the end of his sentence and what it implied. Her eyebrows arched, and she couldn't help but smirk. "I look forward to seeing your festival. And I trust there is someone who will be able to show me and my courtiers to our rooms? Some of us are rather exhausted from the journey."

Her tone implied more than her words. She was not only calling out the stuttering nobleman from earlier, but she also was calling attention to the fact that she herself was in no way exhausted. Her sharp hazel eyes met Corym's with an unsaid challenge.

Corym recognized the significance of her necklace but did not react to her claim of higher authority. He acknowledged her title as the thrice-crowned Queen. But Sarratin belonged to his family and he would never yield it to anyone. This was his kingdom and she was a guest. A royal one, yes, and he would treat her the same as he would every other royal guest.

“Certainly,” he said calmly, his ice-blue eyes meeting hers in unwavering intensity at her challenge and he refused to back down. “All of your rooms have been prepared for your arrival,” he assured, keeping his voice calm as he made a soft gesture to his staff. “I’m sure you remember Monroe. He will guide you to your personal room when you desire.”

“Of course, my King.” Monroe bowed as he stepped forward. “Your Majesty?” he asked Queen Cleopatra patiently.

By the goddess, he doesn't think I'm going to try and conquer him now, does he? Cleopatra thought with amusement. She enjoyed it though, the edge of his words and the wariness in his tone directed at her. He was playing cautiously, and it made Cleopatra's smirk grow. I'm not that stupid. And I didn't think he was either.

Her eyes maintained their tiger-like ferocity until he motioned to the man standing beside the throne. She narrowed her eyes slightly before nodding. "Yes, I have a recollection of you. Show my courtiers and ladies to their rooms, if you could please, Monroe. I'd like a private word with my dear friend Corym."

“Of course, your Majesty,” Monroe replied with a brief and barely noticeable hesitation before quickly stepping into action.

Corym’s hand clenched slightly at her infuriating smirk but his face remained impassive. It wasn't the first time he wished one of his powers included the ability to hear another’s thoughts and it was very likely not to be the last. He didn't think that she had been planning anything but that smirk gave him second thoughts.

His ear twitched again at being called her friend when they were anything but. “Tetra…will you make sure that everything is prepared for the festival?”

“Oh, alright.” Tetra sighed as she stood calmly from her throne. She knew her brother well enough to get out of his way when he asked. Besides he was the King and there were things that only he was privy to. “Your Majesty.” said as a polite farewell to the Queen, even nodding her head slightly before leaving the room.

Cleopatra watched Tetra exit, her eyes following her steps until she had completely descended from her throne. And she definitely noticed the brief nod. "Princess," she replied evenly before turning her gaze back up to the throne.

Her hazel eyes clashed with his blue ones, and Cleopatra couldn't resist giving him a once-over once everyone had cleared the room. It was just the two of them now. Let the battle of wits begin, she thought, taking a few steps closer to his dais.

"You haven't changed much, Corym," she remarked flatly, running her tongue over her bottom lip absently.

Corym stood as she approached, taking a few steps down from his throne. He wasn't intimidated by the fact that he was only an inch taller than she was. In fact, he kept his posture straight to enunciate it. He was fairly certain that it caused her some level of even minor annoyance.

“I take that as a compliment, coming from you,” he stated just as flatly. “Now, what do you want, Cleopatra?” he asked, deciding to get straight to the point. As usual.

And he was right. Cleopatra loathed being shorter than him, especially since she was on the taller side for a woman. It irritated her to no end when men who were taller than her thought they could push her around simply because of their height. They had another thing coming.

She scoffed out a laugh. "Please. It shouldn't be. It means you've done nothing but sit here and watch while the other people around you take action." Her eyes narrowed at his question. "Why so accusing? You invited me here, remember?"

Cleopatra leaned a bit closer to him, her playful smirk still alight on her lips. "Don't tell me you've missed me, Corym."

“On the contrary, I've been very busy. Making decisions to help and protect my people. I’ve even done as much as…” he cut himself off before he could get too riled up and realizing that anything further would make him sound pompous, as if helping his people was a task below him when it was actually the opposite.

Corym scoffed slightly, raising a brow. “Accusing? Have you forgotten who you are talking to? I wouldn't accuse someone without a good reason to.” he reminded truthfully. “I just want to know what you wanted to talk to me about that required us to be alone.” he said, disregarding her comment about missing her.

Cleopatra’s eyes widened slightly as she observed the beginnings of Corym getting worked up. All because of a few simple words. It was extraordinary.

“Of course, I haven’t,” she purred, tilting her head slightly to the side to feign innocence. “You, the grand King of Sarratin, would never assume the worst from someone without ‘good reason.’” Her tone was borderline mocking as she threw Corym’s own words back in his face.

Then her expression slipped into a complete deadpan as she looked at him. “I wanted to make it very clear that I have no intentions of breaching diplomatic relations with Sarratin at the current moment. So you may find it wise to refrain from your suggestive remarks. I haven’t marched on your capital or any other Sarratinian city with my army, and for the time being, I don’t plan to.”

Her eyebrows arched, practically begging him to challenge her. “Understood?”

Corym’s ear twitched at the addition to his title. He hardly considered himself to be grand anything. That had always been his father. Though his brow furrowed ever so slightly as she mocked him. Certainly not a new occurrence but always annoying. Though I have plenty of good reasons with you. he so badly wanted to say but kept the words to himself.

Admittedly, those words were a relief, not that he showed it. But he still didn't trust her. “I'm glad that we have an agreement then,” he replied flatly. “So, let's put on a good show for the next few days of this festival. If you can handle it, Conquerer,” he said with a brief smirk on his lips as his own form of a challenge.

Cleopatra tossed her head back and laughed. It was a wild sound that could only come from her. "My darling, Corym," she cooed, slipping into her flirtatious habits easily once she regained herself. "You know I always put on a good show. I hope I can count on you to do the same."

She smirked at her own title. Conquerer. Cleopatra, the conquerer. That would surely give her the legacy she was desperate for. And of all people, it was Corym who had called her it to her face. She flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Would you be a gracious host and show me to my rooms?" she asked sweetly. "I'm sure it will only take a moment, and then you can return to your preparations."

Corym had to admit he hadn't been expecting her to laugh. But his ear didn't twitch until she used that epithet. “I can handle more than that,” he assured confidently, even allowing himself to smirk at the so-called challenge. “Though I have to say, I am curious how you will manage without your army as you are not often seen without them.” he pointed out casually.

“Of course, Cleopatra,” he nodded, hiding his disappointment when she smirked as he had not meant it as a compliment. “I would hate for you to get lost. Right this way.” he guided as he lead the way.

There it was.

Cleopatra's smirk faded as her lip curled with disgust. The little dig. She'd known that he hadn't meant 'conquerer' as a compliment, but she'd taken it as one, and now he'd had to go and ruin it. The casual-ness of his remark made her ringed fingers curl into fists at her sides.

"I'm glad to hear it," she spat out, following him with narrowed eyes and an arrogant stride.