The Queen of Egypt
Written for Klaroline Sweet Swap 2021 for the lovely @destellolunar who pointed out that there was a distinct lack of cleopatra content in the KC fandom. This was absolutely awesome to write. Hope you love it xoxo
The grandiose ship swayed gently on the waters of The Cyndus, a lulling motion to a queen who hadn’t had rest in what felt like many weeks. The queen knew this was her calm before storm, her moment of quietude before she had to harden her shell and sharpen her wits.
She was entering a potential lion’s den, but rather than letting the Romans back her into a deeper corner than she had already found herself in she would do what she was born to do. Yes, she had no other choice but to align with the roman empire, but she’d be damned if by the end of this soiree they weren’t in the palm of her hand.
******
In a way he pitied the lady who would arrive to Tarsus within the next day. Caroline, Queen of Egypt, had done a fine job of ruling a flourishing society. Niklaus however, the expert strategist that he was, knew that the Egyptians were ill equipped to go head-to-head with Rome. He had brought the idea to the triumvirate: pose themselves as allies to the Egyptians and glean from their resources in exchange for avoiding conflict.
Lucien had agreed immediately, his faith in Niklaus’ strategy unwavering. Tristen required a bit of persuasion, at first unconvinced of such a bold move. His worries were quickly quelled by the pair and the invite to the queen was sent.
******
Aphrodite herself would be proud of the display the Egyptians presented as they reached the shores of Tarsus. The gold-gilded ships flew finely dyed purple sails and moved through the waters with the help of silver oars. As the ship approached land, lady servants wafted fine perfume into the air. Young boys dressed as pharaohs swayed large leaves of palm back and forth to fan the queen who sat atop a golden throne, dressed as the Goddess of Love.
The city was captivated. This was her strategy; in order to solidify a fair deal and assure the romans didn’t consider her someone to be taken advantage of she would have to leave her mark.
******
He had a knack for predicting an opponent’s move before they made it. It was a gift that served him well as a political strategist and one-third ruler of Rome. So, he was left dumbfounded when, after ordering servants to throw a grand banquet for the recently arrived queen, they instead gave him a parchment delivered to them by the Egyptians.
The Queen of Egypt requests the presence of the Ruling Triumvirate of Rome
Tristen De Martel
Lucien Castle
and
Niklaus Mikaelson
for Grand Banquet this night
He would have been irate if he wasn’t so delightfully surprised. It was rare that he was blindsided. It was almost refreshing.
Click HERE to read the rest! <3