#prince linos

[kyriat-stories]

Noor is a busy grandma with 16 grandchildren, and she tries to help out where she is needed the most. At the moment it's in her son Phaidros' household, where they have a newborn son, in addition to the three girls they had from before.

There is always something to do at home as well. For little Timόtheos his grandmother is the favorite go to for comfort and hugs.

Noor and Eira still enjoys going to the Agorá to meet up. Their respective homes are always filled up by children, daughter-in-laws and family problems, so this is the place where they can discuss more freely.

Well, not too freely, because the Agorá is full of all kinds of people. Some with bigger ears than others.

This could, of course, be turned to one's advantage: it is the best way to spread juicy gossip should you want to.

There is always a lot to talk about. Marriages and funerals. Fights and romances. And politics of course. Although, this is a peaceful time in Manthos. No wars, no scandals, no threats from neither inside nor outside.

Even at the palace there seemes to be harmony. The young king, Radhamanthos II, is still learning, and doesn't express his own opinions and purposes to any particular extent. Manthos is in practice ruled by the king's mother, Queen Euthalia, and she is doing a good job in the opinion of most people.

The Manthos River flowed quietly and peacefully past the marketplace and the town this evening, and little did people know about the drama that was unfolding not far away, and which would soon turn everyone's lives upside down.

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[kyriat-stories]

Bansabira was well aware that royalties and distinguished guests from many Kingdoms, including Queen Euthalia of Manthos, were now waiting for them to give a dazzling performance, and she was determined to give her all.

However, no determination can overrule the decision of the body. It's just physically impossible. So while the other girls lined up for their performance of a lifetime, Bansabira was in a servant's room with high fever, nausea and a headache from Hades.

The five remaining girls did their very best, and even if they knew that the formations wasn't perfect, the audience were thrilled.

So when the Queen of Katafygio stood up and clapped and cheered - a very unroyal thing to do - the Astanna sisters felt that they had achieved what they hoped for. It was a success.

But then, just as they were taking their last dance steps, there was a terrible grumbling noise followed by a loud bang while people were thrown up in the air and swept off their chairs. The beautifully decorated room turned to a war zone, as plates, vases and furniture were whirled around as if they were leaves in an autumnal gust of wind. People, royalties and servants alike, screamed in fear, and added to the general panic.

And then there were strange silence, but the silence felt more threatening than the fierce noise just before. Dust filled the air, making it difficult to breathe and even to see more than just a hand in front of one.

Myrto first thought she was unharmed, but when she tried to get up, the floor beneath her undulated like the waves of the ocean. It wasn't from the earthquake itself, but Myrto's own balance was suddenly completely off.

People around her were moaning and wailing, some were bleeding, and everybody was in shock. It was a complete nightmare.

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[kyriat-stories]

Before they went to Katafigio they were invited to Manthos Castle to hold a private performance for the Queen. Prince Linos and the child-king Radamanthos II was also present.

- A lovely performance, the Queen said to Myrto, and a very nice dress too, if I might add. You all look very beautiful.

- Thank you! Myrto couldn't think of something more clever to say.

- ... and she complimented my dress, Myrto explained enthusiastically when she came home, and she liked our performance, and was soooo kind! And she is so pretty too, and the whole family seems so kind and friendly, and I know mother that you don't care much about the royalties, but really, - they are just really lovely people!

- Well, Noor couldn't hide her skepticism, I'm sure it could appear that way.

- That's fine Myrto, Mpatíni cut in, but you have to understand that other people might have a totally different experience with those people.

- Okay, I guess, but they were very friendly with me at least!

Mpatíni mumbled something impossible to decode.

- It's very true, Noor said, my experience with the royal family is ... not good. However, it's a long time ago, and I've heard things about the Queen that is not repulsive. That's good.

- However, she continued, my advise to you is to be friendly, polite but keep your distance. Keep in mind that they are not your friends. They are friendly as long as you suit their needs. But you should always remember that for them any one of us is replaceable, we are just pieces in their game. Take whatever this experience can bring you, the adventure of seeing a foreign country, the fame, the admiration. But don't get too close.

- My god mother, I didn't know you were such a cynic!

- Cynic? No, I'm not a cynic, Myrto, but I have life experience!

- Listen to your mother Myrto! Mpatíni said. At least you should respect her and do as she says, even if you don't agree. You might regret it if you don't.

- Now you are scaring me!

- No, no, my darling, don't be scared! We just want you to keep a healthy distance to people who might not be exactly what they pretend to be.

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[kyriat-stories]

The agreement was made, and the wedding became expensive, just as Queen Alkmini had predicted. There were many prominent guests, and even the big throne room filled up.

The bride and groom didn't seem overjoyed, but perhaps they were affected by the seriousness of the moment.

The King of Koiláda Chalkoú was invited but did not come to the wedding. He was probably still a bit crossed, even though he had received a handsome compensation, in form of horses, cattle, gems and precious metals. However, he did send his sister to represent him at the wedding, the incredibly beautiful Princess Amphiera.

Other honorable guests were of course Prince Heraklis and his family. It was the first time little Myrrhini was attending publicly, but she seemed more interested in the birds outside than in the wedding ceremony.

The bride's family were also there, even if it was quite a long journey for them, and for that reason little prince Philokratis was left at home. Queen Laonome was not feeling well, it was possible that she was expecting again, so they took a more discreet position in the throne room, to be able to slip out to the private chambers if necessary.

The distinguished ladies of Manthos were all there, of course, and Kyria Figaleía wouldn't miss it for the world.

It truly was a grand celebration, and everybody agreed that it had been a fabulous ceremony.

Except maybe for the bride and groom.

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[kyriat-stories]

The king and queen spent the next couple of days with long walks along the beautiful shores of Katafygio. The landscape was so different from the soft hills and marshy riverways of Manthos. The breathtaking beaches and mild climate was a paradise on earth, but the royal couple couldn't really enjoy it.

- Try to relax a little bit, the Queen urged her husband, the water is like olive oil, so clear and soft.

- I know, the King sighed, but I have too much on my mind. I'm such a failure. I wanted to do things differently from my father and grandfather, with their constant warfares. And now it seems I will be the one who will lead our country straight to the doom.

- You don't know that yet Mijarare! There is still time, and hope!

- Sometimes I just feel so tired. I'm not able to be the kind of king I wanted to be, so why not just give up? I'm sure Linos would do a lot better with these intrigues and wars and things. It would be right up his alley.

- Stop it! You are an excellent king, and your brother couldn't fill your sandals if he tried to. Yes, we are facing some difficulties now, but we will get through them. Together. Even if there will be a war we will fight. And our Holy Astanna will come to our assistance, I'm sure of it.

- I wish I could believe that...

- You choose to believe, Mijarare mou. You have to find the strength within yourself. Don't give up now that we need you the most.

- Need me!? I don't think that's true...

- Stop! I mean it! This is just self-pity talking. Pull yourself together! Please! We have work to do, plans to make. It wont be easy, but it is our duty. Now get dressed, and let's walk back to the kastro. It's getting dark.

The king didn't say anything. He was on thoughts. But he did what his wife told him to.

Back at the Manthos Palace Prince Linos was also on thoughts, and decided to ask Princess Amphiera a few questions.

- Was all of this your idea, or did your brother tell you to deceive us all? Have you got no shame? Betraying your husband in the most hideous way?

- Does it matter?

- It matters to me. After all, I am still your husband.

- A fine husband you are, the princess mocked him, You are not even a man in my eyes. Not once did you come to my bed, like a real man would have done.

- You have some nerve... Linos blushed,

- You are just a boy, a wimp and your brother's obedient slave, who don't have the courage to refuse marriage with the woman he appoints to you, nor has manhood enough to perform your conjugal duties. I pity you!

- How dare you!

- Oh dear! I hit a sore spot, didn't I?

- YOU BITCH!! I'm going to teach you a lesson, Linos seethed with rage.

- Haha! What are you going to do? Hit me? I'm not afraid of you!

- You should be....

SMACK!! RUMBLE!! BANG! BANG! BLAM!!

- My goddess, what's going on in there? Princess Konchylia had come to check on the prisoner. Who is in there with her?

- Prince Linos, Your Highness, the guard said.

- Lino! Open the door! NOW!!

- LINO!! Come out immediately, Konchylia shouted. I think you have to help me, she said to the guard.

- I don't know if it's my place... He is the regent...

- LINO! OPEN THE DOOR!! LEAVE HER ALONE FOR GODDESS SAKE!

- All right! I'm coming! Linos' voice was distorted and quivering.

- Lino, Konchylia whispered, what have you done to her?

- I had to teach her a lesson.

- Oh my, oh my! Lino, is she dead?

- She will be fine. I'm finished with her. I don't want to see her again. Ever. As soon as my brother comes back I want her the hell out of here.

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[kyriat-stories]

Epilogue

When peace is preserved everybody is happy, but also: life goes on.

King Mijararos was said to show his happiness in quite an un-royal way when he got the news about King Turunusemis' passing. They Kings, Queens and soldiers all returned to their respective kingdoms and homes the following day.

The men was told that it had all been a rehearsal, and that there were no actual threat of war. Some believed it, some not. But everybody was happy to be home.

Sibyla, the nursemaid and Queen Ofelias confidant, went back to Strangepolis, but returned to Koilada Chalkou after a couple of months. She is now a housekeeper, a very high-ranking and respected position at the castle. She is also said to keep the Queen warm at night, but if you ever asked anyone at the castle about it, you would be told to mind your own business.

Prince Iasonas of Katafygio have been said to approach Queen Ofelia aiming at a matrimonial alliance. She politely turned him down. He is now in discussions with the King of Selinódasos, who is positive to a marriage between the Prince and his daughter Nikh. In a few years.

Princess Amphiera gave birth to twins the following spring. She is still kept in a separate part of the palace, and is not allowed to go outside unless she is accompanied by her husband, or an officer designated by him. She has her own servant and is allowed to see the children a couple of hours a day. They are otherwise cared for by Princess Konchylia, who might be surprising, considering that Princess Amphiera killed her husband. But, as she says, the children are not to blame for the sins of their parents.

Eteokardiás (Teo) decided to agree to a five year contract with the forces, where his main role was as a chef. He is entitled to a five days leave a couple of times a year. His mother suspects that his reasons for agreeing to the contract is personal, not financial.

On one of those hot summer days, after all of this, Kyrios Yousif Eláïom unfortunately passed away, most likely of a heart attack. His wife Eira, was of course heartbroken, but denies regretting marrying him. She is however worried about bringing up their little daughter alone. The girl, Maya, has now passed two years old, and is still not walking. Her mother took her to the temple as a baby, and the high priestess claimed that she was "touched by the gods"; a blessed child. Maya is a lovely, sweet little one, loved by everyone in the family, and in the whole village. (If they had access to modern medicine they would understand that Maya has Downs syndrome, but a blessed child she is nevertheless.)

[End of chapter 12]

A huge thank you to those of you who have followed, liked and commented on my story so far. It means a lot, and I am truly grateful. 💕

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[kyriat-stories]

On the border of Manthos the army of Koilada Chalkou had been waiting for a long time.

They were well organized and well trained.

But after many months of waiting, the men were eager to get the war started and, eventually, finished. They all waited for the go-ahead from their leader.

Close by the soldiers from Manthos, Katafygio and Selinodasos were training to become one, united army.

There were two army commanders; The Queen of Katafýgio and the King of Selinódasos. They worked well together, and there was mutual respect between them.

Prince Linos and King Mijararos had a more secluded role, supporting their men with their presence and training, but without their usual responsibility.

However, joining two armies, which had also been enemies in the past, was not easy. When not actively training they kept to separate corners of the camp. And their cultures and traditions were also quite different.

Perhaps the most tangible example were the female soldiers from Katafygio. Being led by a woman, even if she was head of state, was one thing, but standing shoulder to shoulder with female warriors was unusual, even uncomfortable, for the men of Manthos and Selinódasos.

They had a more macho culture, with a butch form of communication, making them internally united.

That said, not everyone was as comfortable with that type of socializing.

Although it was a fairly relaxed atmosphere, there was tension under the surface. Everyone knew the war was coming closer.

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[kyriat-stories]

The harsh words of his brother rang in King Mijararo's ears, and to make the misery complete they got the sad message that Queen Alkmini had passed away on their way back. It was not unexpected considering her old age and health situation, but still sorrowful for those who loved her.

Just a few months later, they also received the message that Laonome, the Queen of Selinódasos, who was King Mijararos' aunt and Queen Euthalia's mother, surprisingly had turned ill and died. Rumors had it that she had been poisoned, but nobody were able to figure out who and how.

The King was of course devastated, but was comforted by the children's governess Bisera, whom he just months later decided to marry, because "it is easier this way", as he said.

Queen Euthalia was furious with her father, and wanted her sister Nikh to come to Manthos, "to avoid the influence from common and unfit people" as she explained it. "Absolutely not", was the short and clear answer from the king. We don't think he ever asked his daughter Nikh what she wanted, but if he had, she would most likely had agreed with her father. Truth is Nikh had a much better relationship with her "common" governess than with her rather snobbish sister. As for her younger brother Philokratis he was not old enough to understand.

Queen Euthalia had strong opinions about most things, and there had been a couple of episodes with both staff and family in the past. But lately the frictions between Euthalia and Amphiera had escalated to a level that was affecting the whole family. As soon as they were in the same room, which they were daily, there were loud arguments and glowers.

King Mijararos tried several times to discuss this with his wife, but to little avail.

- Why are you telling me this, she said, when it is Amphiera who is causing all the problems? She looks so innocent that one, but she is a demon! I'm telling you!

- That might be so, but please, if you could be a little less confrontational?

- You don't understand my situation Mijarare! Euthalia was clearly upset. I'm the head of this household, I am the Queen of this country, and my authority is constantly challenged by that... Lámia!

- But we will all just have to work together, and ...

- Work together?! She is a lazy slob, and all she can do is to lie on the coach and have the servants run around for her! And she don't have children or households or kingdoms to look after, like some of us! You don't know what you are talking about! Go talk with your brother and ask him to get his wife in order, next time. I'm sick and tired of this!

Mijaros found it best not to continue the discussion that night.

He had a feeling that his brother wouldn't be open for any suggestions concerning his wife's behavior, so he decided not to talk with him about it. Instead, he confided in his uncle.

- So you see the situation is a bit unruly, and I really don't know how to handle it. Do you think your Konchylia could... No, probably not a good idea. Could become even messier.

- Hmm. Well I don't know. She is good at stopping the children from fighting, but this is a different level of course.

- You know what is worse than two women fighting?

- What?

- Three women fighting.

- Ah, it's a joke!

- It is, but it's true, isn't it?

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