Memoirs of an Immortal (The Immortal Series) (7 page)

But before we could continue, Eupolia had summoned me to take a bath. She asked if I really wanted it in my room or perhaps in the bathhouse. I chose the bathhouse.

As I was in my bath, I sat there thinking about what Pro had told me. I was trying to rap my mind around today’s events, when I heard a voice coming from the hallway.

“You are for sure Nikephoros’ daughter. You went at that thing like it was natural.” Dienekes was talking making light of what had happened. “So what was that thing? Do you know?” He asked.

“I have no clue. I’ve never seen anything like it.” I wasn’t exactly lying.

“I never thought your father gave you and your sisters that kind of extensive training. I mean come on, you’re a girl. What can a girl do?” He said laughing.

“Are you mocking me now? Seriously, you saw what I can do. Don’t you make me go after you?” I was laughing. I couldn’t even take myself seriously.

“So Psykhe, when should we start training? Cause I wouldn’t mind you showing me some of your skills?” He asked.

“Don’t encourage this, Dienekes!” Leonidas had come back from the oracle and appeared to be calmer than before.

“Don’t worry Dienekes.” I yelled “We’ll train together as long as you show me some Spartan training.” I offered. His laughter was loud enough that I could hear him clearly in the bathhouse.

I sat in the warm water thinking. Why were the gods after me? Why did I need so much protection? What was really going on here? Eupolia had my clothes ready and was waiting for me, so she can tend to my wounds. My body was bruised all over and I had a few open wounds, but nothing serious. As I was getting out, I suddenly remembered that Leonidas was outside waiting. I dropped back into the bath feeling embarrassed.

“Are you ok?” Eupolia rush over, but I laughed it off.

Upon hearing the commotion, Leonidas rushed in, to make sure nothing had happened.

I was half way out of the water by that time, but luckily Eupolia and Cynisca were holding a long cloth that shielded me. Leonidas kept staring, I smiled. The embarrassment I felt before was now gone, his eyes, the look he gave me, warmed my body and made me feel special.

“I need Eupolia to tend to my wounds and help me dress so if you don’t mind.” I motioned him to leave, but he didn’t move. “I can get dressed with you here, if you like?” My question made him walked out. Eupolia, Cynisca and I laughed.

They both helped me get dressed and was about to treat my wounds, when Leonidas barged in and demanded he do it himself. He hesitated, stopping the moment he saw me. He then headed straight for me. He reached me, lowered himself and picked me up.

“I’ll take you back. I don’t want you to get anymore hurt than you are now.” He said in a serious tone.

I looked over his shoulder to see Dienekes, Eupolia and Cynisca smiled wildly. I buried my head into his chest taking in his scent. It was a mix of sun kissed skin with sweat and it was sweet and intoxicating.

When we reached my room, he laid me down onto the bed and began to lift my dress, that’s when I stopped him. He said that he was going to only apply ointment on my wounds. I was calm, so was he. We no longer were angry, but we still had a hard time speaking to each other. I turned myself and untied my dress to expose my back. It was there that I was mostly wounded.

The day was nearing an end and the sun once again painted the sky with various colours of red. Leonidas had gotten himself up and started the fire. “You might get cold.” He murmured.

With my back still to him, he lowered my dress and pushed my hair over my shoulder. He scrutinized my old wounds.

“How many fights have you been in?” He whispered as he feathered my skin.

“A few.” I answered honestly. “There were several people who would come and challenge my father. Some would even come with small armies.” I said without thinking much of it.

It was a natural occurrence. My father was a legend and men wanted a piece of that. If they were able to defeat Nikephoros, then they would be considered an even greater fighter then him.

Leonidas continued to look at my back, his hands grazing at my old wounds. “Why would he allow you to fight? I would never want you to be hurt.” Leonidas voice was heavy with sadness. He began to apply ointment on my skin. He was light with his touch, almost afraid that he would break me. His every touch filled me with excitement. It was the first time a man ever touched me like that.

Wherever he touched, a rippling sensation began to travel through my body. He was finished and I could feel him moving away from me. He was about to get up, perhaps to tend to the fire or even worst leave. I reached over to touch his hand. My body took over and my senses soared. I placed his hand onto
m
y body wanting him to touch me more. Leonidas turned me. I faced him, as he pulled me closer. With the tips of his fingers he stroked my skin.

He started from my hand and then slowly moved up passing my elbow. His hand then rested on my shoulder. With his thumb he caressed my collarbone. His touch sent little shocks throughout my body. Both his hands moved up to my throat and I flinched just a little. I was still very sore from the fight. He lightened his touch.

“Look at me.” He whispered. His eyes were now a dark blue. He continued to touch me slowly.

“Do you have any idea how much you frighten me?” He gazed at me. “What are you?” He asked quietly. “Here I am a Spartan king. I was trained to fight and to not fear death and then you came. You, a little girl from some distant island. You came into my life and now you make me fear death. I never want to die now. I want to live with you and only you. I want to own every part of you. My thoughts, my body, my everything, is consumed by you. Have you any idea what you have done to me?” He had taken my head into his hands, looking desperately into my face, seeking an answer that I could not give him. All I knew was that I felt the same way.

“I know what I have done to you because you have done the same. You own me Leonidas. I live for you now, only for you.” My face hot from my honesty, but my body was still ruling me. I leaned forward and kissed him. He sat still for a moment.

“I almost lost you today. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t come and save you. I actually felt real fear.” His voice cracked and just one tear, just one came from his eye. It fell onto his cheek and I leaned in and kissed it away.

His hand slid to the back of my neck, as his fingers leisurely touched my nape. With his other hand, he slid off the front of my dress and began to kiss the top of my collarbone.

As strong as he was, at that moment he was loving and affectionate. With the same hand that he undressed me with. He began to gently caress my breasts.

“You taste so sweet.” He said in a low voice, as he reached the top of my chest. I let my head fall back and closed my eyes taken in by the pleasure I felt as he relished me.

I woke up entangled in my sheets. I stretched and reached for Leonidas, but he wasn’t there. I jerk up and looked around. He was standing by the window.

“What are you doing there?” I asked. He turned his head smiled.

“Good morning.” His voice was always so soothing to me. It was raspy and low.

To this day, I have yet to hear anything similar. I sometimes sit with my eyes closed trying to hear him call my name. Sometimes if I concentrated, I’m still with him, but the cruel reality sinks in when I open my eyes and I’m alone with only my memories.

There was a knock at the door.

“We have breakfast!” announced Cynisca.

“Not now!” Leonidas bellowed. “I want to talk to you before anyone interrupts us.” I nodded in agreement. “Are you ok? Was I too rough? You were hurt and…” He sat down next to me and took my hand.

I laughed at how concerned he was. Was that really that important? I was still in pain, but not as much as yesterday. My body felt healed, but I was too happy to really notice if anything else was wrong. Today was going to be my wedding and nothing was going to stop me now. I reached with both hands and hugged him.

“I’m fine. I’m more than fine.” I said in his ear, reassuring him. “If you have to go, go.” I continued “Anyhow, don’t we have to prepare for tonight’s festivities?” He pulled me away and placed his hand on my face. I leaned in and kissed his palm.

“Fine, I will see you tonight. I promise you will enjoy yourself.” He stood up and started for the door.

“Are you talking about the party or after? Because I already enjoyed our night.” I laughed.

Leonidas looked at me with his eyes wide and I continued laugh. He shook his head and opened the door.

I could hear Dienekes and Maron there. Eupolia and Cynisca bowed and ran right in. Both just stood there looking at each other than at me. I didn’t say anything. Cynisca placed the tray down and sat next to me.

“Well?” She asked excitingly. But I didn’t want to say anything. I wanted that part of my life to myself. I wanted to be selfish when it came to Leonidas.

“No” I said curtly.

“What do you mean no?” replied Cynisca.

“Cynisca it’s rude and inappropriate to ask. Do not forget your place.” Eupolia scolded her.

Cynisca lowered her head. I think she felt shame for asking such a question, but I did not want her to feel badly. She just wanted to talk to me like a friend. I reached for her hands and smiled. She nodded and then quickly changed subject.

“So tonight is the ceremony. We have so much to do. I’m
r
eally excited.” She said happily.

I asked if they remembered all the songs and dances we had practised. Eupolia admitted she was nervous, she didn’t think one day was enough to prepare for such an event.

“Don’t be nervous.” I waved at her. “I’ve done a lot of weddings and dances and had even less time to prepare.” I was trying to calm them down, but Eupolia wasn’t buying it.

“Yes, but it’s your wedding not some strangers. Plus you’re still hurt from yesterday.” She said nervously. I relented and said that we’d practise some more before the banquet, which seemed to ease her a little.

My Wedding Night

It was nearing time for the ceremony. We had practised more and were now getting dressed and ready. Cynisca was finishing up with my hair. She leaned in and said “You’re done.”

I stood up and both girls said that I looked beautiful. Leonidas had made sure that there was a special dress made for me. He chose the colour of deep red. Eupolia said that my skin colour offset the dress. He had also had a pair of earrings made. They were gold with some small jewels in them. They hung low, half way down my neck. I was about to put on my arm bracelet, when Cynisca reach over and took it out of my hands.

“No! Not tonight.” She grinned.

“Why can’t I wear it? I love this bracelet.” I asked upset at her.

“You’ll see later. Now let’s hurry up before we’re late for your own wedding.”

We walked out of the palace from the side door and into the large courtyard that faced the gates. There were tables set up for the ephors, while Leonidas’ commanding army sat everywhere else. Leonidas, the head of the ephors and the priests sat at an elevated level on the top of the stairs. I could see Kleomenes and his daughter Gorgo, both enjoying the evening. Most of the ephors had stayed by her side, especially when they saw me walk in. I could sense how unwanted I was, but I chose to not care. Today, I was to be Leonidas’ wife. This day only mattered to him and me.

There was music and song and lots of wine. They had fires going with various animals being cooked. I think by this time most of the men were drunk. As I approached, Leonidas stood up and the music stopped. The men stopped singing and everyone’s eyes were on me. I swallowed hard and continued towards Leonidas. He walked down the stairs and took my hand and helped me to the top. He turned to his priests for their blessing, when the ceremony was over.

“She was given to me as a gift from the gods. A wife suited for a king of Sparta, even the gods had challenged her and she won. There is no greater gift than a wife as beautiful as she. This is your queen, Psykhe the daughter of the great hero Nikephoros, who is equal to his talent. You must swear your allegiance to her.” Leonidas said proudly. A great roar came from the crowd, followed by cheers. I lowered my head and bowed. Now I was truly happy.

Leonidas reached for both my arms, “You’re not wearing your arm bracelet?” He asked smiling. I looked at Cynisca and glared. “It’s ok.” Leonidas laughed. He held out two new bracelets, he had made for me, these ones were far more beautiful and intricate than the one the first one. “These you’ll were on special occasions.” He slid them onto my arms marking me as his.

He motioned for me to sit, but I shook my head. “What is it?” He asked.

“I am not only a good fighter. I’m also a good singer, so let me entertain you.” I smiled nervously. Leonidas grinned and extended his hand let me go. Cynisca guided out the musicians and dancers my father had sent me. “I realize that I don’t know many Spartan songs and dances, but at least enjoy the songs and dance of my people.” I was waiting for his response.

“Now I’m really excited.” He leaned in and kissed the top of my head. “Show me what my wife can do!”

I walked over to the musicians and dancers as everyone readied themselves. But before I could begin a strange man, about the size of Dienekes, appeared. He was ushering two donkeys that carried large pots of wine.

“I’m sorry to intrude, but I was passing by and heard that the great king Leonidas of Sparta was getting married and I with too much wine decided to share some. I don’t mind entertaining you all if you wish so I may also have a meal.” His features were dark. He had a well kept beard and his hair seemed clean. He did not wear the same clothing as a Spartan. So I thought it strange that a man like him would appear here. Only men with very little tried to scam meals at banquets.

Everyone waited for Leonidas’ reply. “Athenian I am too happy to argue. Come and join us. Regale us with some stories of Athens and lets us drink from your wine.” Leonidas waved in him over. The man bowed in thanks.

“Here is my wine, may you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.” The stranger smiled confidently. Leonidas signalled for his men to take the wine.