Thread: A Conquered Empire (DaveTheHuman & XochitlDreaming)

Hearing his most dutiful blood brother speak, the Rajib replied Good, there is much to discuss tomorrow. Many decisions will be made that will decide how long-lived our victory is. You have done well. Tonight I will sleep in my tent. Malco knew his sleep would come easier there. The stone walls of the palace, no matter how far apart, felt too familiar to a prison. It would take time to adjust. So for now his tent would suffice. With most of the party asleep or making their way to it, Malco stood and walked toward the front entrance of the palace. Bring the Empress to my tent. I will enjoy her one more time before bed. The act was as rough and impersonal as the Suqora hours before. The only difference now was they were alone. After emptying in her again from behind, he sent the Empress off to her chambers before laying in his animal-fur bedding. The next day, when the sun was at it's highest, Rajib Malco entered the palace to meet with the heads and the Waraq. Upon entering, the ten in attendance stood and bowed before taking their seats. Malco sat at the head of the table with the Waraq at his right. The old man was dressed as ornately as any religious leader would be expected. His long robes were a dark plum-like purple with golden tassles and the symbol of a stallion on his chest. He had a name, but it was considered disrespectful to address him in any way other than Waraq or Spiritual One. Malco broke the silence Great leaders and Spiritual One, we have completed my father's greatest dream. I know he is watching us from the clouds with pride shining upon his face. It is now our duty to make sure Midrel is forever under Erob control. After cheers and poundings on the table, the Rajib continued Midrel is far different from Erobern or Jonra. It is not just the land but the people and their customs. There talents are different as well. We are famous for our fierceness in battle and horses while the people of Midrel are not. They practice money trading, create art worth as much as a mare, and write books that some would rather steal than a sack of gold coins. This is why our council will need every hand it can take. For if we rule the people only in our ways without respect to theirs, we will lose what our ancestors craved so dearly. That is why I will wed the Empress and we will not execute the heads of state useful to maintaining order. Just like every person in Midral, today was a day of suffering. But what pained Akakios most was seeing Zosime in such a state. The wise eunuch knew she was holding up very well for a woman in such a position, but the lack of her smile caused the world to seem all the more grey. Raising her from youth, she was always so cheerful and kind. Seeing her pained in any way was as if he felt it as well. So this night he felt as if the sun would never rise again. Hearing her words, he replied You take on a great burden and I promise to always be here to help carry you through when you need it. Akakios wouldn't even humor the thought of Zosime being killed. He knew it was selfish knowing what she would endure, but he couldn't help but see her as a daughter to him. If she was to be killed, a large part of him would die as well. It broke his heart to hear she was summoned again, but he remained strong for her benefit and was sure to keep the bath hot for her and her bed made neatly.