>>6050301>>6050305>>6050349>>6050363>>6050537"Very well, I will ride with you and see these savages crushed," you nod calmly, masking the strategic calculations whirling through your mind.
This could, of course, be a trap to lure you from your palace in the capital and assassinate you on foreign soil. But what would Creon gain from killing you? The other houses of the Blood would never tolerate House Chion’s overt power grab—they would unite against them, plunging the kingdom into war.
Moreover, Jocasta, despite her noble lineage, is just a woman, not someone who can lead her dead husband's legions. Creon and House Chion benefit far more with you alive than dead.
Besides, you find yourself welcoming the danger, having already grown bored of your peaceful life in the palace after the spectacle at the arena. The steel and blood of the battlefield call to you more than the silk and comfort of the palace, and you look forward to the opportunity of crossing your blades with the painted savages.
Creon's expression softens slightly, a hint of respect flashing in his eyes as you agree to join him in defending his lands. "Then we are allies, Rex. Let us see if your prowess in battle is as formidable as they say."
The next morning, you stand at the head of the royal legion, flanked by soldiers from House Chion. The early sun casts long shadows on the ground, heralding the start of a new day and a new battle. As you prepare to leave the capital, the air is thick with the scent of oil and leather, the soldiers' armor clinking softly with each movement.
Queen Jocasta remains behind in your palace, but you may take one of your concubines, to share your tent during the campaign.
> Lana the green-eyed concubine, with her keen insight and quiet strength, the first concubine to share your bed and the one who urged you to seize the throne.> Inaja the dusky-skinned concubine, whose understanding of the kingdom's religious and political climate could help you during the campaign.> Rhoda the red-haired concubine, once the daughter of a prominent merchant before Suial claimed her, whose knowledge of financial matters can be a significant asset.> A blonde foreign concubine, draped in jewels and silk, who admits openly that she prefers the harem's decadence to starving on the streets and wishes to remain in the palace as your concubine.> An effeminate beardless boy, trained to sexually pleasure the old tyrant, a grim reminder of your predecessor's twisted perversions.> A concubine who has her back scarred by whips, marked by Suial's cruelty after a failed escape attempt, whose resilience might be an asset.> A once-proud warrior woman reduced to a slave concubine, her spirit dulled by years of captivity in Suial's harem, having been broken by the old tyrant.> A mute concubine, her tongue removed by the old tyrant, yet still strangely devoted to her abuser.> A virgin priestess, a gift from the fat and corrupt but obsequious high priest.> Write In 