SL Part 7f - A Change of Tides - Rumors and Plans

[Kamenwati]

Rumors Abound

A slave had gone outside the villa gates at command and signaled to Octavius who was waiting on the hill, as he did most nights. At the signal, the horse he sat atop was spurned into motion, with him, Octavius knew he brought news that only now, was beginning to change the fate of a single Empire.

Niemah's head bowed once more. "Lord Octavius has arrived..." Knees bent as she gave a small bobbing curtsy and left the room to give Octavius the signal that he could come in.

Octavius was only a second or two behind Niemah's leaving to enter the room and he handed over his cloak to Niemah as he entered the room and then bowed at the waist to both Kamenwati and Briseis.

Mathayus stood behind Octavius and gave his own bow to the Lord and Lady of Lycia before ushering Niemah to follow him and wait with him in the hall.

Octavius rose from his bow and swept across the room to come to his knees beside the bed taking Briseis hand into his own and kissing her knuckles before laying his forehead against the back of her hand. "Gods be praised you are safe and well."

"My Lord of Genoa..." Briseis hummed in somewhat of a laugh and slowly wiggled her hand out of Octavius grasp to lay her hand against his cheek. "Please.." She hummed and ushered him a seat nearby. "Sit, tell us of what news we have missed."

"My Lord Kamenwati..." Octavius finally acknowledged the man behind Briseis though he did not mean to exclude him. Rising from the floor, he collected the chair and brought it close to the bedside.

"Where do I begin?" He questioned and sighed. "Rumors started that the Emperor is searching for a bride and that he has sent inquires to the New Amir of the Tamazgha about a bride from your homelands my Lord. The Emperor is sparing no expense and has sent trunks of gold and gifts to persuade the new Amir to look favorably on a marriage union between our nations. There is also talk from spies within the palace that if the Amir refuses, that the Emperor will call on you, my lord, to personally go to the Tamazgha to persuade to a match."

Kamenwati simply nodded and stood behind Briseis as the man began to speak. Kamenwati had reason to distrust Octavius, whether founded or unfounded, the man they call the “Lion of the Tamazgha” had been immersed in politics as well… and he knew how politicians were… most were self-seeking.

Octavius paused to rub the back of his neck. "Also, rumors are spreading in Agora that you have been remiss in the duties the Emperor gave you concerning the dearly departed from the war in the Tamazgha. Since you have not publicly announced your condition, there are many in the city who believe such things and they are spreading to the other counties albeit slowly and in hushed whispers."

Again Octavius hand lifted but this time scratching at his head. "The word of it all is, the Emperor is planning several ways to bring the downfall of both of you. If the Amir does not look favorably on a match and you do not persuade him, then the Emperor plans to spread more rumors that your loyalty is more towards the Amir then it is to your wife's homeland. Likewise, he already has low rumors spreading between lesser nobles that the Lady of Lycia's own loyalty is shifting to the Amir. This will leave him free to declare you both traitors and order your deaths thereby putting his man Cyrus Villius in control of Lycia and yet another council member and leader on your side."

With that comment, Kamenwati’s wavering attention regarding rumors suddenly refocused with a glare in his brown eyes. “Traitors? Lady Briseis… and I?” the tone of his words were less than cordial and Briseis glanced by over her shoulder with a pat of his hand that now lay upon her shoulder… “Preposterous… !!!”

His hand lifted to stave off either of them cutting him off. "However, since I had a few days to process this information while you were ill. I have come up with a plan. You have many supporters Briseis, Lord Cicero Porcius of Thracia, Lord Manius Naevius of Martius; both have taken your advice of trade along with I and the farming lands of Thracia now support a good stock of sheep from my land as well as I of seeds from Thracia as we seek to expand our counties past farm and sheep as they are tended to be and Manius is working, albeit slowly with such a poor country, to extend fishing into trade of goods from the other counties, though it is only trade of Thracia, Genoa and Lycia that he can rely on right now. Kamenwati, you have your homeland to back you up as well as the support, I assume considering they aided you Kamenwati, the support of the Gaelic Nation. We however, need to know if they would be on our side. Do you think you can inquire, quietly to the Gaelic Nation about their support?"

Kamenwati canted his head… With a reluctant nod, he blinked and nodded at Octavius… He had not spoken to anyone from the Gaelic Nations in months, but he did know that the Tamazgha was being left alone by the Griffin Regime to resolve any problems upon their own accord. But the Gaelic Ambassador was soon departing Agora to return to Turas Lan… reasons unknown, but many speculated that it was because of Secundus’ aggressive policies toward the Tamazgha, Egypt, and Asia.

He leaned forward placing his hands upon his knees. "I beg you both, not to make notice of your knowledge that the Emperor is seeking to frame you. Not yet anyway. If all does not go as he planned, and it is agreed upon of the marriage, he plans to have his bride to be murdered on the way to Carnia and evidence placed to make it seem as if you Kamenwati, have planned it. He has thought of every angle but we can outsmart him by the time of the Rights of Mother Rome in four months time when he plans to call the council to court and make the accusations known, albeit, without your knowledge of them. If we play our cards right, it will be Secundus who loses this time and the fate of this empire can finally change hands, to a true and just pair of rulers. You Briseis, and your husband."

Briseis reached to take Kamenwati hand as Octavius spoke of what he knew. What had happened in several days, it was overwhelming and her cheeks flushed with color. She was not embarrassed and the ease of her face said well she was not angered either, though that in itself was a wonder. A man she would not speak ill of was plotting on calling her and her husband a traitor with false evidence and sending them to their deaths, how could she not be upset?

Kam’s hand had went to her shoulder when Octavius had spoken of them being traitors and did not move from its place. His dark brown eyes sparkled when she looked up at him and he shook his head to calm her.

There was confusion on her face but mostly, it was helplessness. She did not know how to agree to this, if she should agree to this. She just was not the type of person to hurt another, even if they were hurting her or the ones she loved. Kamenwati was the warrior, not her, and even if she could do such a thing, how many of her innocent countrymen would die...how many fathers would be pitted against their sons, or brothers against brothers, for now it seemed there were only two sides for Carnia; Secundus and her, Briseis, and her husband.

“The Lady Lycia is not one for pretending, pretenses, or lying… so in order to prevent her from being placed in this jeopardy, I will announce her pregnancy and her ill effects of such condition. I will inform the Senate that the Lady is too ill to attend any public appearances and she shall see no appointments.” Kamenwati looks down at her, squeezing her shoulder then back to Octavius… “You shall speak of this with your peers… but none in a public forum, leave that to me…”

"Kam..." She whispered and turned her head up to look at him. She felt so horrible, wanting to put this in his hands but again, he was the warrior, not she. That look of helplessness was even stronger upon her face. She did not know what to do.

Kam squeezed her shoulder gently and shook his head, then looking at Octavius… “Lord Octavius… tis time for you to depart… remember speak not in public about Lady Briseis… I will speak to the Senate tomorrow morn… For now, I and my Lad bid you good day…” and he watched the man go thru the protocol of departure.

Motioning to Neimah… “Go, request Lords Hassan and Artum come hither…”

Octavius listened to Kamenwati had his outburst over them not being traitors, but of course Octavius knew they were not and then quietly listened, comforting his wife by laying his hand on her shoulder.

Octavius felt horrible to bring this news to them, especially with Briseis just out of her illness. He had thought, when riding into the Villa about keeping this from them but he couldn't stop the words from coming. He cared too much for Briseis to let this come to her as a shock and from nowhere.

At least now they could plan their retaliation, though Octavius prayed they would do so discreetly and knock the Emperor off his perch unawares. He, like Briseis, did not want to see his countrymen pitted against one another taking sides.

At Kamenwati’s words that it was time for him to depart, he nodded and rose from his chair. Leaning down, he gave Briseis’ cheek a fatherly kiss. "Gods keep you safe precious" He hummed in a whisper at her ear and with a final bow to Kamenwati, he left.

Briseis turned her cheek towards Octavius as he bowed down to kiss her cheek and she offered him a shy smile, sapphire eyes following his leave taking before turning to Kam. She had been strangely silent though it all, but her face had given away she was sure. She was frightened and unsure of what to do. Surely this was a sign that she would not be a good ruler. If she could not make a decision now, how could she do so every day for the rest of her life?

Silently she was going over in her head what Octavius had said. "I don't understand..." She hummed in all most a whisper. "How could Secundus do this? How could he be planning this? It simply can't be true! He defied tradition to give me the position of Lady of Lycia, he knew I was a slave once..." She swallowed and leaned back against the pillows pressing a hand against her forehead.

As Briseis began to speak, the inflections in her voice displayed her anxiety, and he began to pace. Long slender fingers tapped at his chin, and soon fingertips began to play with the trimmed beard in contemplation. “Yes M’Lady, how could he do this? More important, why would he do this?” and that question caused his head to briefly turn toward her. “Over the years, Carnia favored the old ways of Rome… and accepted the ways of the Byzantine’s… but now the Ottomans knock upon our very door.” He continued to stroke the beard as he looked around the room as if to find answers floating about.

He had used her. It was plain right in her face, he was using her still. He used her to remove Abu Said from the throne. Kamenwati’s war had been just the excuse he had needed to take the man who defied him off the throne and put a new one on the throne.

A new monarch in power was always seen as weak, not even wet in the feet yet and he had been counting on that and now he, just like his father before him, was plotting false evidence to see her and Kamenwati dead.

Her hand fell from her forehead to cover her lips as the tears shining in her eyes built and finally weighted, slid down her cheeks.

"What are you thinking? What are we to do?" Her eyes all ready puffy and red from the tears turned to her husband.

Niemah stood prone at the doorway while Octavius related his news. The woman's face did not shift or twitch in the slightest though she was listening. Years of listening, albeit unwittingly to Masters and Mistress giving up secrets, acting as she was not there, had stilled her from showing her emotions.

As Kamenwati made command of her, she bowed her head and left on the heels of Octavius pausing long enough to see the man down the stairs and towards the door before she was back tracking to first Hassan's room and then Artum's where she bowed apologetically, head down and eyes averted. "The Master has requested your presence."

“First, you need to travel to the Tamazgha, to Carthage, to bid a new wife for the Emperor…” he smirked… “Artum shall accompany you… to make sure you stay healthy…. Hassan and I shall remain here.” Kam smirked again… that was one way for her to be safe and away from Secundus’ wicked plan. “IF, Secundus is working his evil magic benefiting his league with the Ottomans, I nay desire you near Carnia… What better way for you, in the eyes of the people to appear loyal to the Emperor, than to travel to the Tamazgha, in your condition, to vie for a wife for the Emperor.”

She waited for the men to prepare themselves and then lead them down the hall to the Master and Mistress' chamber once more. "Master, Lord Artum and Lord Hassan, as you requested..."

She ushered the men inside with an outstretched hand that they could enter and then she was moving across the room to take a rag and brush away Briseis’ tears before fixing a cup of water for her lady and bringing it to her and kneel prone at her bedside.

Artum and Hassan entered and bowed deeply. Simultaneously they spoke… “By Allah’s good grace, we are your humble servants…” Then as Kam beckoned them, they stood erect as their master spoke.

In their native antiquated Berber language, to prevent someone from listening, Kam began to speak, though he knew Briseis understood enough of the language to comprehend.

“Artum… you and the Lady shall go to Carthage, seek out our people. I fear for the Lady’s welfare. In pretense, she shall seek a Tamazghan wife for the Emperor…” and then he began to explain, in their language, in detail what Artum was to do and who to contact in order to keep the Lady Briseis safe. “Hassan shall remain with me.”

“They will shall be done M’Lord…” was all Artum responded. But Hassan stood by with a confused look. “What is happening M’Lord?”

Kam returned to Briseis, his hand upon her shoulder; then turning his attention to Hassan and began to speak in the old language. “You shall remain with me my friend; I have need of your talents here… I fear for my wife’s life… threats have been made against us”… then he continued to explain what Octavius had told them. “Briseis and Artum shall go to Carthage… You, the male slave Mathayus, the girl Neimah, and I shall remain here…”

Hassan listened intently, and when Kam mentioned the slaves, he just looked at Neimah and smirked, his attention then returning to what Kam was saying.

[Kamenwati]

Niemah finished wiping Briseis tears away and knelt by the bed stroking her Lady's hair as Kam spoke in his native tongue to his men. She did not understand a word of it but she understood her name. When Hassan looked at her and smiled, she rolled her eyes letting out a scuff and rocked back on her heels and stood to take Briseis glass back to the shelf to refill and brought it back to her mistress where Briseis leaned down to whisper to her what was going on. Her face went from soft to surprised but her mouth pressed together creating a thin line of her lips as she fought from protesting it. Her Master and Mistress will be done.

"We should fix up a room for you Niemah, upstairs. I wish you to be at hand to my husband. " Briseis commented as she took the new glass of water and took a drink from it before setting it in her lap.

"Master, if I may... I would like to start packing the lady for her travel." Niemah interjected and bowed her head in respect that she had done so. Lifting up from her kneel by Briseis bed, she waited till she was excused and then went to make preparations for Briseis and Artum’s departure.

Kam canted his head at Briseis regarding the slave at hand for him… He knew why, and he knew she was bound and determined… Glancing to Niemah, he nodded and moved his wrist in a simple motion.

"Kam, what happens when I go to Carthage? You know I do not believe in lying, what do you expect me to say to the Amir about my being there? Should I keep from him what Secundus is doing? I don't think I can if he asks. I may be able to, if he does not ask about it...." Her attention turned to her husband.

He glances to Artum, then to Bri… “That is the other reason why Artum shall be with you… The Amir shall become aware of EVERYTHING…” and he emphasized the word heavily. “I expect the Amir to grant you sanctuary under the circumstances… And when I am done here, I shall accompany you in Carthage…” he looks to Artum. “I need to know, to your best surmise when the baby will come unto this world… and I need your appraisal to her worthiness to travel…”

Briseis shifting on the bed throwing the covers aside to get out of the bed. She had not left it in several days and now she was expected to go to Tamazgha. "How long do you suspect I will be gone?" She questioned as she set her feet upon the ground and slowly rose up from the bed. "I don't want you to miss out on all the pregnancy madness I will be going through." As she spoke of this, she laid her hands against her belly which had only begun to puff out with new life. She was trying to make light of the situation but the look on her face was clear, she was scared.

"Gentleman, will you excuse us for a moment?" Her attention turned to Artum and Hassan as she came to stand beside her husband "You may have him back in a minute to make your plans but please, I wish a moment alone with my husband...Please."

She rose from her bed of many days and began to prattle on. His hair fell about his face and with one hand pushed the strands aside. He nodded to his fellow countrymen at her request.

The two men of the desert bowed deeply, their hands and arms motioning in their cultural mannerisms, though, to many not of the desert, it would appear melodramatic. “By Allah’s grace, may your health be strong… By your leave My Lady…” and the two men backed to, and out, the door before they turned and departed.

She waited until the men had left the room before turning to her husband. Her hand lifted to smooth the hair away from his eyes. "Promise me, whatever you are planning, you will be safe. I will do as you wish. I would do anything that you ask but it gives me no pleasure to be parted from you again." She leaned into him, pressing her forehead against his chest.

His arms automatically wrapped around her. “Yet again you make me promise what I cannot be sure of… Only Allah knows if I shall be safe… Have faith my love… Allah has brought us thru much already yes?” he lifted her chin with his fingers.

"Octavius asked me, how many innocent people would have to die before I would do something, right before I fainted... I'm scared Kam. I don't want any innocent people to die, for Secundus or for... us. Is this our destiny?" She asked raising her head to look at his face.

He canted his head. “Many innocent people may have to die here… but how many have died in the Tamazgha… How many families have no father, son, or brother? Is this our destiny? I know not… Pray for guidance… pray for your health.”

"If this is our destiny, to be... Emperor and Empress of Carnia, then I will accept it, I cannot do this without you and I will not but if you feel we can make these people, my people...our people's lives better by becoming their royalty, then we can and will do so.... but only if you wish it. If you do not wish this, then we can leave... I will leave with you, anywhere you wish, just tell me."

He pulled her close and he laid his head atop hers. Softly he spoke. “I ask not to be emperor… I am your husband… IF you become Empress, then I shall remain by your side…” then he leans back and looks down at her, his fingers lifting her chin again. “My love… many here depend upon you… many more believe in you… You do not have a vicious bone in your body… and I believe you would be a good ruler… You go to Carthage… rest, enjoy the Tamazgha... Let me do what must be done here…”

Praying for guidance she could do, but her own health when so many lives hung in the balance? This was something that would be difficult for Briseis to do as she always looked to others well being before her own. It would be difficult but she would do it for she carried the child of her beloved husband and for him, for his child, their child, she would do anything.

As his finger lifted her chin again, her eyes met his and she offered him a soft smile. Her hand lifted to take his hand into her own, not needing him to keep her gaze on him. She kissed his fingertips and then held his hand against her heart. What could she say to such words? She was never good with compliments. "I will only rule, if that is our destiny, with you by my side...As my Emperor...as the Emperor of Carnia." She inhaled a deep breath and then released it. "Do what you must, to protect our people...both here and the Tamazgha. You have my full permission to do anything you must."

His deep brown eyes flickered back and forth, his thoughts of how much he loved her… intertwined with contemplation of what turmoil boiled in the hearts of the political powers. “I shall do what I can to save as many as I can…By the Grace of Allah… but each chess move of Secundus shall be countered the best I can… He is devious and is dangerous as an asp…”

That had been hard to say but she reasoned soundly that it was necessary for the good of both lands that Secundus could not be allowed to succeed in his plans. Lifting up, she brushed her lips against his own and hummed out a moan. "Have I told you today that I love you?"

He took her into his arms and pulled her tight against him… “You have not… but that has never been in doubt m’love…” and he leaned down to kiss her, but his kiss did not remain simple, but he began devouring her in a full passionate kiss, as if it were the last. But she controlled the situation and pushed him back a bit.

She cupped his chin between her thumb and forefinger and kissed his lips again before releasing him. "I suspect you will want to speak with the men who will be staying with you now and I have words I would exchange with Niemah alone..."

He would look at Briseis with curiosity wondering what she would say to the slave girl… His reason for her remaining was assuredly different from his. Part of his plan was to have the Lady of Lycia ill, and secluded, but in her illness, she would go forth unto the people and give alms to the homeless and downtrodden as she always did… But her face, due to the illness, would be veiled. The Lady of Lycia would be Niemah… just in case an assassination attempt would be made. Meanwhile, the true Lady of Lycia would be safe in Carthage with the true Amir of the Tamazgha.

While Kamenwati made plans to protect his wife and her country, the subversive turmoil … lies, deceit, and rumor… festered in Carnia, Secundus was busy formalizing his own plans for dominance of a new Carnian Empire. Secret communiqués between the exiled Abu Said Uthmann and Secundus have been relayed for months. It was Secundus’ plan to have Uthmann’s support, then kill him afterwards making Secundus Emperor.

“A regime, an established order, is rarely overthrown by a revolutionary movement;
usually a regime collapses of its own weakness and corruption
and then a revolutionary movement enters among the ruins and
takes over the powers that have become vacant.”

Secundus wanted to regain lost Carnia territories and to redraw the map of the Middle Sea - especially The Tamazgha. Secundus also wanted to humiliate Briseis and Kamenwati and to destroy the Lycian political stronghold in Carnia. Secundus also wanted Carnia to have full sovereignty once again--to have a normal military and to conduct diplomacy as he wished.

Secundus’ deal with Abu Said Uthmann was considered secretive, and temporary, by both sides. Abu Said hoped Secundus would be bogged down in his Senate and weakened so badly by Kamenwati that Abu Said could move into the heart of the Tamazgha, and eventually into Carnia. However, Secundus knew that by taking a wife of the Tamazgha, especially one of the Amir’s many sisters, it would establish lineage… and when Abu Said gained control and eliminated the Amir, and his two sons, Kamenwati, his family, and his friends, it would be just cause for him to move into the Tamazgha and destroy the Uthmann insurrection and make him look like a hero of the free people, he could lay claim to the throne thru his wife, thus establishing him as Caesar of the new Carnian Empire.

With the Uthmann’s gaining victory in the Tamazgha, Secundus’ eventual defeat of the Uthmann’s, and the Tamazgha under his rule, Secundus could then invade Spain and eliminate its threats to his dominance of the Middle Sea. Carnia also coveted the Egyptian Nile and the lands to the east. That was the next stepping stone north toward the Ottomans.

By the end of the week, Briseis was set to sail with Artum to Tamazgha and Carthage. Artum had examined her and though he had come to the conclusion that Briseis was underweight and the baby was small for how far along she was, that the baby was healthy and strong and she was good to travel. He assured Kamenwati that the rich food of their culture would enrich both mother and child in the four or five months left of her pregnancy.

So by week’s end, she was prepared to sail and kissed her husband goodbye giving a knowing look to Niemah whom her conversation was still held private and not something Kamenwati expected for she had instructed her slave to watch the Masters back and to hail Octavius at the slightest hint of trouble.

In a shroud of secrecy, Briseis was dressed as a slave, and intermingled with other breeding slaves, while Artum dressed as a slaver, not far from her, and set aboard a Carnian ship bound for Europe. Kam had not wanted the knowledge of Briseis’ departure known to anyone especially the Emperor’s spies. Their loving goodbyes said in private long before the “slaves” were taken into the city.

Kam stood on the docks, his eyes saying goodbye one last time as he received the bag of coins from the man from the ship, as part of the façade, Kam tossed the bag of coins in his hand and smiled; then turned and made his way to his horse.

Back home, Kamenwati sat upon the pillows drinking his tea. With a clap of his hands, he summons Niemah. It was time to tell her the tasks she would be performing.

Niemah was amongst one of very few who was told the story of Briseis slave days from the woman herself. When the time came to shroud Briseis in the slave clothing, Niemah was amazed at how well Briseis took it and how well her lady handled herself though she had told Niemah how scared she was to be boarding not only a ship once more but going to the Tamazgha again.

Niemah made sure the slaves of Lycia's house were out of the house while the Lord and Lady said their goodbyes and that they remained gone until the Lady of Lycia had left. Niemah had not been promoted to go to the docks for fear the facade would be in jeopardy if she were recognized as Briseis servant and so Niemah had gone about her duties, seeing that the Villa was cleaned and that lunch would be ready by the time the Lord of Lycia got home.

The Villa was strangely quiet with the Lady gone. There seemed to be a sense of peace and tranquility when she was around and now that she was gone, Niemah mused, that the slaves were more tense. Perhaps without meaning to, the Lady had been so kind as to make them feel as if their lives were not bound; body, blood and soul; to another.

By the time Kam returned to the Villa, Niemah had taken some of the slaves down to the river to wash clothes. It was the first time since Briseis had left and the secrecy began that Niemah saw the girls laughing as they worked. When word came that Kam wished to see her, Niemah threw the wet tunic into the basket and stepped out of the water, the ends of her tunic dress clinging against her thighs as she held the basket against her hip and began her trek up the hill.

The basket would be left with the slaves in the yard who were taking down the dry laundry and hanging the wet ones before she headed inside to find the Master. Briseis had made it clear that Kamenwati had thought she was moving her upstairs for a different reason and while the lady made it clear that if the Lord wished it and she herself were willing, that she should allow whatever the Lord of Lycia had in mind but that her reasons were different than what was thought.

As she caught sight of Kamenwati, she slid down to the floor and bowed low. She did not know what the men were planning to do about the Emperor but she felt her stomach turn at the thought of being caught up into the vast web of the Emperor and being bled dry by the spider that was the King of Carnia. It was not pleasant she had heard and had until now, counted herself blessed that she was owned in homes that were far from the Emperor's gaze but now...she could not say that and it made her stomach sour that she had now been caught so close to the sticky threads of the Emperor.

As she bowed and pressed her head to the floor, Briseis words were a hollow echo in the back of her mind. Protect him as if he was your own, as he is my own and my heart would not survive the departure of him. She rose from her bow though did not raise her eyes to meet him. "You sent for me, Master"

Kamenwati sat upon the pillows of the open room, similar to the living room of more modern accommodations… several slaves, mostly women, but some men milled about performing their duties… Kam pulled a grape from the bowl and popped it into his mouth… and when Niemah entered. Kam clapped his hands and with flicks of his wrist, he spoke with a commanding voice… “Leave us…”

Niemah rose from her kneel and followed the slaves to the doorway where she closed the curtain behind them. It wouldn't keep out voices but the slaves of the house knew better then to listen into the master, especially when he spoke in such a way. With the curtain closed, Neimah returned and took to her knees again and gently folded her hands within her lap waiting patiently for her Lord and Master to tell her why she had been summoned. She did not have to wait long.

“Niemah… yu are a decoy… a vital peg in our plan… but it is wrought with dangers… I pray to Allah, that his grace and pleasure shall be for all of us to survive this game of deceit and betrayal… I needed the Lady of Lycia, yer Mistress away from this… but required someone to take her place… You, were the most likely…” he paused and watched for expressions…

Her head twisted to the side in confusion, dark brows knotting together when he started. A decoy for the lady of Lycia? She had been chosen by the Lord of Genoa to be a lady in waiting to the Lady of Lycia but there had been a quiet conversation between her and Octavius before they had arrived in Lycia. Her only purpose had been long a secret, even from her lady but as Octavius had paid her price, she had been bound even as she was passed from one hand to another, to obey and that meant keeping her silence as it was bidden her. Keep the lady of Lycia safe, that meant sending secret informant to Octavius when there was trouble brewing. It had been Niemah who had written Octavius about Briseis possible pregnancy.

Her face pinched as he spoke of deceit and betrayal. Had her involvement, her sworn promise upon payment lead to all of this? Certainly not. She knew she was not the cause of trouble in the realm but the Caesar who was just like his father craving endless power. Her stomach twisted in a knot to think of the Caesar and his intentions for the inhabitants of the House of Lycia. She was also worrying of what plan Kamenwati had, if they were caught... not only were the Lord and Lady destined for death but the slaves of their household would be as well.

She was a beautiful woman… exotic and sensual… and now they were alone together… and yet this cold bastard informed her of the possibility of her death in the scheme of things… “I know that the Emperor wishes the Lady dead, to impose his own will upon the people… and he will attempt have her killed, because she is becoming more and more popular with the populace… and he cannot afford that… his plans have come too far now…” he paused once more to see her reactions… in the meantime, his eyes would look upon her with pleasing eyes.

He had said she would be a decoy. He did not ask it of her but somewhere in there, she felt as if he were seeking her approval. Like many of the slaves in the household, her skin was darkened by work outdoors. Bronzed kissed flesh that was barely hidden by a swath of blue material that was her dress of stature. Her nationality had been lost to years of service but her skin tone seemed only to highlight the darkness of her black hair and chocolate brown eyes. These eyes scanned the floor moving left and right as she listened to the words he spoke. Though she was not a learned woman, taught enough to read and write moderately, she could tell there was something he was holding back. Even if Briseis became popular with the populace, why would he wish her dead? Even popular, she could never see the nation to go against their Caesar, not unless....she were royalty herself.

Niemah pursed her lips in thought. Her Lady and her had talked at length. The reason Niemah had such respect for her was she was not treated like a slave but a trusted friend for the most part. There was nothing of her past that the lady had hidden from her, now she wasn't so sure she had been told everything. Unless that was Briseis did not know but then she remembered the look on her lady’s face as they made plans for Briseis to leave and she knew indeed, that there was something they were hiding and likely, for good reason. Briseis had risen from being a slave herself to the Lady of Lycia and she did it with a grace that no woman would ever possess again. How could she refuse now? Not that she was being asked.

Giving a lick to her lips, her eyes rose, her head still stayed bowed only her eyes rose to his face and then her chin was dipping an inch or so and then lifting. "As you wish of me Master. I would do anything that you or my lady requires....Just tell me what you would like me to do..."

“I am sure you will perform your actions flawlessly… I know not what Secundus has planned… but in advancement of actions, I took preemptive actions of my own and sent Briseis to the Tamazgha… You, in her stead, shall become the target should Secundus wish to assassinate Briseis…” his brown eyes veered to the floor, as if ashamed, but quickly went back to capture the girl’s. “I pray that Allah shall watch over you and grant my sword swift retribution before any harm comes to you…”

Unconsciously, he leaned forward; his hand went to her face caressing her cheek, his thumb tracing her cheekbone; deep brown eyes capturing hers. Momentarily lost in the moment, the excitement his body rushed forth into, caused him to jump as if burned by a hot flame. The odd look upon his face, his hand stilled by his side, as he slowly leaned back into the pillows.

When his hand touched her face, her head lifted to look at him. It was an unconscious action just as it was an unconscious action that had her cheek tilting into the embrace of his hand and her hand joined his own, cupping over his as it stroked her cheek. Such an odd look upon her face had her looking curiously at him before he jumped and she jerked back, lowing her chin and eyes to the floor once more, hands cupped submissively within her lap once more. It was no secret amongst them that she had offered herself to him once only for him to refuse as he walked and leave her to collect her clothing in embarrassment and return to the slave quarters beneath the villa.

Was it an awkward silence that filled the room then as he leaned back upon his pillows and sat submissively still? Niemah did not seem to notice. Her mind was heavy with thoughts. She had lied to Briseis in saying she had come from a home that had children which she had tended to. A secret that weighed heavy on her shoulders and made her ever willing to please her new master and mistress least they find out and cast her off. The home she had come from was a devious home and her mistress had taught her very well, to be her right hand.

Kamenwati had told her no plan other than to use her as bait for Secundus should he attempt assassination. It was not out of fear that she would die that she was thinking to replace herself as Briseis with another, but mere fact. "Master..." She stated breaking silence. "I have but an idea, to aid in your plans. I fear my darkened skin and hair to that of the lightness of my ladies hair and skin would give me away. There is one within the kitchens, who would suit in your needs much greater then I, and would be believable considering I flank my mistress side on most of her ventures, to be absent would raise suspicion. Diona is of same hair and skin quality of your wife and would work to purpose. I daresay she would welcome to change. Even if it is to lounge at bed and appear ill with child bearing."

Her hand moved to touch Kam's arm and her head rose to look him within the face. "I would happily lay down my life for that of my mistress, or you... it is not out of fear that I offer another in my place. Would it not be better to have yet my eyes watch out for such attack rather than be the device of it? I would speak with Diona, if it is your wish and see your will done." Her hand caressed gently at his arm. "I would see our lady restored with the quickest of ease and devoid of present danger. It is my only wish...to ever please you..."

SL Part 7g - A Change of Tides - The Stand In