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This is a sequel to Eternal Souls. With special
thanks to Freya!
Prelude
Ares stood tapping his foot and glowering at his sister. "Do you really have to enact
this ridiculous ritual every decade?" he snapped.
"Chill out bro." she shot back. "And the answer is yes. I think it only appropriate that to commemorate the anniversary of when we were called back to earth. Besides you're just jealous because it was my plan that set us free and the portrait of Hercules that cinched the deal."
"I suppose you expect me to be grateful to the two of you?" Ares growled.
"Notice I'm not holding breath" Dite
retorted. "And besides no one asked you to be here. Don't you have an insurrection to
stir up somewhere?"
"My minions have things under control" he said confidently. "There are
several situations that seem promising." "
Goody for you" Aphrodite said stifling a yawn before turning back to her work.
An evil grin lit Are's face. He knew there was
more ways to raise havoc than war. And he had a plan.
Aphrodite placed two scrolls in an ancient looking box. They were copies of the one's she
had sent down to earth through the portal many centuries ago. It hadn't been long after
that they had been discovered and an amazon had called upon her to deliver a hero, just
like her brother Hercules. That had put the goddess of love and the other Olympians back
in business.
She created a niche in a crumbling ancient Greek ruin and hid the box inside. "There
now" she said. "Some lucky new amazons are going to make the discovery of their
lifetime. This is so cool" she said. I think I'm going to catch some waves. Once this
is rediscovered, the calls will start coming in fast and furious, so I need to get my R
and R in now" with that she vanished.
"Oh this next group of amazons are going to make a discovery of a lifetime all
right" Ares vowed. "I'll personally make sure of it."
A warm breeze was blowing in off the Mediterranean. The wispy white curtains danced with
its kiss. Freya was seated on the bed, several maps spread out in front of her. She was
quite absorbed in her work until the phone rang.
It was Phil from the University. He wanted to know, if she and the crew had arrived safely
at their destination. Freya was slightly irritated at the interruption but she understood
how important this expedition was to the school. And as chief archeologist it was her duty
to make sure it succeeded. She assured him that all was well so far. A few moments later,
she ended the call and looked around the room.
There was no sign of her assistant, Danaan. She had dumped their luggage and said she
would be right back but that had been hours ago. Perhaps she was consulting with Hilara,
the historian and Chantal, the research archivist on the project. She called each of their
rooms but no one answered. Neither did any of the other team members. Freya gathered up
her the maps and quickly put them in their acid free folders and secured them in her
briefcase. She had better go looking for her lost crew.
The concierge at the hotel told Freya that the members of her party were in the hotel
lounge. Ah good she thought, they must be consulting on the details of the upcoming dig.
When she entered the dimly lit room, however, she was in for a shock. The last thing on
these ladies minds was work or academic matters. Unless you counted ogling the male
anatomy as a studious pursuit.
A man with curly jet black hair, a mustache and a beard was holding court. He was dressed
in a short sleeve, open neck shirt and tight black pants. Her team sat listening to him
as, if mesmerized. "Oh great" she thought to herself. "Just what I didn't
need to have happen. All of them distracted by a Greek gigolo." She'd grant them, he
was very good looking but even from a distance there was an aura about him that was
frightening. She shivered a bit.
Freya nearly jumped out of her skin, however, when a deep dark baritone whispered in her
ear: "You are quite right to be concerned my dear lady, he is indeed
villainous." She spun quickly around to see who spoke and she almost lost her
balance. Strong arms reached for her shoulders and steadied her. She found herself looking
up at one of the most incredibly handsome men she had ever seen. He too was dressed in
black and had a beard and mustache. But his hair was a cross between golden sun kissed and
a light brown hue.
She couldn't exactly put her finger on which, but she found herself wanting to make a more
thorough examination of the matter.
"Damn it what is happening here?" she wondered to herself. Here I am about to
take my team to task, and I'm letting myself get off track." Freya reminded herself
of the importance of the task ahead. But all thoughts fled her mind when she caught the
stranger's eyes which were an incredible icy blue. Speaking volumes they vowed that they
could strip a woman bare body and soul. They were dangerous, intriguing and magnetic.
He grinned devilishly. There was no doubt he was a man completely aware of the power he
exercised over the female species. Once more she struggled to reign in her emotions.
"Who is he?" she asked wishing her voice wasn't coming out quite so husky.
"He is calling himself Stephan Themopolis
these days, but he is really Ares, God of War." Freya nearly
choked. This had to be a joke.
It seemed her team members were playing a trick on her. Given the topic of their search it
wasn't surprising but she was angry that they had revealed so much about their mission to
a stranger. Freya was really going to have to have a serious talk with them. Finding
evidence that the Greek gods did at one time exist was going to be hard enough, without
interference or unwanted publicity. Freya wasn't even completely convinced of the notion
herself. She could just imagine what the press would do with the story especially if some,
mysteriously sexy and very strange man, were to imply that at least one of the gods
existed amongst them today.
"Look mister...... she started to say but Freya could see that he wasn't paying
attention. His hands were still firmly planted on her shoulders but his gaze was upon the
Mr. Themopolis and her friends. They were starting to rise as, if preparing to leave.
"I cannot let him see me" the stranger said. He bent and kissed her full on the lips. Freya knew she should protest but her voice was no where to be found.
"We will meet again, don't worry he assured
her. And we will discuss this situation and other more "interesting
matters"". With that he headed off out of the door. Freya chased after him.
"Wait you didn't tell me your name" she shouted at his retreating figure and
what a fine figure it was.
"It's the The Sovereign" he said briefly turning but "you can just call me Sov." He blew her a kiss over his shoulder. "Till we meet again my love." Then he quickly disappeared. Freya stood there stunned. That is how Danaan, Julie, KalliSta and Hilara found her.
"Earth to Freya, Earth to Freya" Danaan teased. Freya suddenly came to.
"All right who hired the hunk?" she
demanded to know.
The Sovereign made his way out to the beach. Things were going exceedingly well. He had a
chance for revenge on Ares, he'd pay for what he had done to him. And then there was the
added opportunity of besting that goody-two shoes HerKuleS. Plus there was a beautiful
woman involved. He found her fascinating. Life was indeed good again. And he'd only begun
to put his plan in action.
Ares arrived back at his temple. Strife was there to greet him. He'd been stirring up
little skirmishes around the globe and he was anxious to tell his Uncle of his progress.
"Hey nifty threads, Unc" Strife said in a perfectly obsequious tone. Ares
smacked him across the room for good measure.
"Go bother someone else right now. I have to strategy to formulate.
"Do tell Unc."
"Yeah right, like I'd tell you" Ares
replied. "Your interference is not welcome or needed. I'll handle this on my own. Now
get back to undermining truth, justice and all that goody two shoes stuff, before I stuff
you in a little package and send you to Callisto." Strife beat a hasty retreat. When
Ares was in this type of mood it was the safest course.
Ares changed back into his familiar leather outfit and sank on his throne. "GHerK's
and Dite's stocks maybe rising on Olympus at the moment but not for long. Their due for a
crash."
Later that day the team from Amazonian University
found themselves gathered in the foyer a major museum. The brochure promised a mixture of
both ancient Greek history and modern art. Freya figured this was a good a place as any to
start their research.
"Wow" Julie whistled. "This place is huge."
"It certainly is", Baucis agreed.
"Which exhibit should we tour first?"
"I vote for 'The Mighty Zeus and his
Descendants' ", Nannyboo said. There was a chorus of assent and the group moved
forward.
There was a huge statue of Zeus at the entrance. "He looks so majestic",
Misferral commented. "Exactly as you would picture the ruler of Olympus. And there is
his queen", she said pointing to another statue just inside.
Melite moved forward. "Look here is a modern interpretive painting of them as well.
Man, Hera's eyes look so unique. Chilling in a way."
"From the mischievous glint in Zeus', I'd
say he's thinking about one of his many mistresses", Danaan commented. KalliSta
laughed and lightly swatted Danaan. "What?", Danaan asked innocently. "They
didn't call him king of the gods for nothing."
Binky was checking out a carved bust of Hades. "He doesn’t look anything like I
pictured him. I always thought the lord of the underworld would be frightening, but he
looks quite handsome."
Dessy, who was standing nearby nodded. "Don't you agree, Ephiny?"
"Yes, Yes", Ephiny said, but her voice was a bit distracted.
Dessy noted her friend's gaze was straying around
the room. "What are you looking for?", she asked.
"I'm just wondering why any of the demigods don't seem to be featured?"
"Yes I was wondering about that myself", Julie said. After all, Hercules played
quite a prominent part in the myths. I'm surprised he isn't at least here."
"That's because he seems to have a whole exhibit to himself", Hilara commented.
"I haven't checked it out yet. I just noticed the title panel on the next room. The
curator must have been very intrigued with his twelve labors?"
"Interesting" Freya commented as she
walked up to them. "That will be our next stop." "Chantal, I was just about
to ask your opinion on one of the artist's interpretation of the tale of Cupid and Psyche.
I found it to be quite
unusual. What do you think?" There was no answer. "Chantal?", Freya queried
again.
But there was no answer. "Now where did she get too?", Freya asked. Nball
answered, "She was right behind Maigrey and I, until a few moments ago."
"There she is", Astrild said as directed their attention to across the gallery.
Danaan heard Astrild's comment and said "yes, she's been standing at that same
painting for quite sometime now."
They moved over to where their team member was standing. She didn't even turn at there
approach. They were all curious as to what had Chantal so enthralled. KalliSta's eyes
strayed to the label. "It says, it is a portrait of Ares, god of war", she
informed everyone.
"Hey, doesn’t he remind all of you of Stephan Themopolis", Julie asked.
Freya felt a strange sensation overcome her. Julie was right. He looked exactly like
Stephan Themopolis. Shaken but unwilling to reveal the same to her team just yet, she
moved forward into the Hercules exhibit.
And came immediately upon a statue of Hercules. If she was startled before, she was even
more so now. For the Hercules portrayed shared features almost identical to Sovereign.
Freya now knew what Alice had felt like when she tumbled down the whole into Wonderland,
what Dorothy had felt like when she was transported to Oz. "What
in the world was going on here? Was this a vast conspiracy to sabotage the expedition, or
to drive her crazy? Or was it possible that the Greek gods really did still dwell on the
island of Greece?"
"What hair", Danaan sighed.
"What eyes", Kallista whispered
"What a body", Julie whistled.
"I completely agree sisters", Raptor
commented. "It is easy to see why they give him his own gallery." And what a
gallery it was. Hercules was immortalized in virtually every medium known to art.
"He must have inspired quite a few artists", Rabbit remarked.
"He's certainly inspiring me", Hilara
commented under her breath. Trying to restore her professional demeanor, she turned to
Freya. "Freya look at how many historical periods and places he is portrayed in. Not
only is he shown as an ancient Greek god, but a Medieval knight, a French patriot, a son
of Ireland, a Spanish matador, a modern surfer, a futuristic space captain, and that is
just to name a few."
Freya finally roused herself from her thoughts. "This just keeps getting more and
more curious. It was supposed to be a simple expedition, but something out of the ordinary
appears to be going on here", she whispered to Hilara. "But don't say anything
to the others just yet, until I can get a better handle on things."
"Mum's the word" and speaking of mums,
have you checked out the Egyptian version of Hercules?". Freya and Hilara moved off.
Ares was watching from the ceiling. Strife was next to him. "Bummer, Unc, just like
the others before them, these ladies, seem to be drawn to the goody two shoes again."
Ares knocked Strife off the beam and he went tumbling to the floor below.
Nani and Sara Quinn nearly jumped a mile when the bust of Hercules began teetering. They
carefully steadied it. "I didn't bump into it", Nani exclaimed.
"Neither did I", Sara Quinn replied.
"Maybe there was a ground tremor. Any way, I'm glad the bust didn't fall. It would
have been a tragedy. It's such a tremendous piece of art."
Strife picked himself off the ground and shook himself off. Cautiously he made his way
back to Ares side. This time he sat a little further down on the beam.
"Not all of these beauties", are so
intrigued, with my bro", the god of war commented. The one they call Chantal is
still at my portrait, and the other named Lisa has joined her there. It seems I have a few
fans of my own", he remarked. As much as I would like to stay here all day, admiring
them and watching them admiring me, I have to go strategize. But you stay and keep your
eye on things here. And don't forget what I told you to do. There can't be any slip-ups in
my plan."
"Don't worry Unc", I got you covered.
"See that you do or Tartarus will look like
a trip to Disneyworld", Ares promised with venom. Then he disappeared.
Strife floated himself down to the floor in the Descendants exhibit. He made his way over
to the small picture of himself, Discord, and Deimos. "Why do I have to share with
them?", he whined. "Hey, I'm a god, I don't have to take this." He zapped
it and immediately Deimos and Discord disappeared from the painting. Strife clapped his
hands and giggled in glee.
Castailia, who had returned from retrieving her notebook, happened to be passing by at
just that moment. She blinked and stared at the portrait. "Gee, and I haven't even
sampled the Uzo yet."
The archeological team had albeit reluctantly left the museum. Chantal had headed toward the library to do some more research. Local governments were notorious for keeping the most fascinating places to dig a secret. After all many learned scholars felt the key to locating the lost city of Atlantis was also to be found in Greece but they weren't getting much cooperation. If the Amazonian University team was going to be successful where others had failed it was going to have to do its own leg work.
Freya and the rest of the team headed out to the site they had been given official permission to excavate. Freya had confided in Chantal that she didn't expect that they would find anything useful or unique there. They had to keep up appearances though as no doubt more than one watchful eye was being cast toward their project.
Chantal spent the next few hours going through old scrolls and maps. It was painstaking work but her efforts finally paid off. She had done her homework before this trip had begun. She scoured the chronicles and journals of almost every known archeological dig conducted in the ruins of Ancient Greece. She had never come across anything about the "Cove of Hercules" before.
Chantal quickly took out her drawing pencil and did a quick sketch of the map. She knew there was no way she'd be given permission to photocopy this precious document. Besides she didn't want to alert anyone else to her find.
She replaced the original back in the archival folder from which she had retrieved it, and secreted her drawing into her back pocket. Chantal was eager to be off. She couldn't wait to share her find with Freya and the rest of the team.
Gathering up her things she quickly headed for the door and ran straight into Stephan (Ares) Thempolis. He took her hand and brought it to his lips. "Fancy meeting you here my dear", he greeted her. "I was hoping to run into you again."
"And I you" she assured him.
"It does my heart good to hear that. I hope that means you will accept my invitation", he replied.
"Invitation?", Chantal queried.
"Yes I am having a party on board my yacht tonight."
"It sounds lovely but I will have to decline your gracious offer", Chantal answered. "I am here on a work assignment and regretfully it won't leave me much time for pleasure."
"Ahh but you have to take time to eat. Also the museums and the libraries will be closed at night and you won't be able to dig in the dark", he pointed out. "Besides I can tell you lots of local folk lore and history as a native. I could prove very useful to you. Please say you'll come."
He saw her resolve weakening but still she protested. "The rest of the team..." Stephan (Ares) placed a finger over her lips to silence her. "They're invited too."
"Well then I guess I have no choice but too accept", Chantal told him. If the truth be told she had wanted to do that all along. This man's company was too compelling to resist.
As if reading her mind he pulled her close and gave her a deep soul filled kiss. She was so lost in it that she barely registered the brief glance of his hand against her pocket. She was enveloped in a dream like haze. Stephan (Ares) then slowly pulled away.
"My staff will pick up your team at 8:00 p.m. tonight", he informed her.
"We will be ready", Chantal assured him. "I have to go now."
"Till tonight then my love", he said. Blowing her a kiss as she exited the library.
Deimos appeared beside his uncle. " Swift moves, oh god with the goods. You still got it dude even after all these millennia. Someday you'll have to have to tell me your secret."
Ares gave him a pitying look. "You have to be able to at least pass for a human being which I'm afraid leaves you out of the running, nephew."
Deimos was about to stick out his tongue at his uncle but thought better off it. He'd seen the black and blue marks on Strife. Instead he said "there are just two things I don't understand." Ares shook his head and said "really I thought there would be much more than two." Deimos ignored that.
"I saw you switch the map. But isn't the dear Chantal going to remember that she drew a picture of the "Cave of Hercules" and not the "Altar of Ares."
"My kiss is as all powerful as the rest of me", Ares assured him. "It will have effected her memory."
"Neato oh baron of badness. Now on to the second thing. I've been observing these scholarly maidens from afar and they seem to be the type who would align themselves more with the forces of goodness. How do you propose to convert them to our favorite cause, evil?"
"Once I get them on my yacht I will tantalize and tempt them beyond there wildest imaginings. By the time they "discover" my altar tomorrow they will be more than willing to convert to the dark side and do my bidding."
Ares assured Deimos.
"Now I'm wasting time talking with you. I must prepare for my party." Before he disappeared Ares placed his boot against Deimos' backside and gave him a swift kick just for sport. Deimos went flying into a bookshelf and several large volumes came crashing down on his head. Ares demonic chuckle echoed through the nearly empty halls of the library.
Freya wiped the sweat off her brow as the sun beat down on her. Just as she suspected this dig was proving fruitless. They unearthed a few artifacts such as pots, jewelry and tools. There was not one thing here that would prove that the Greek gods were real. It was important, however, that her team keep up appearances. Prying eyes might be watching.
Speaking of eyes, Freya was unable to dispel the image of the Sovereign's from her mind. They had been so mesmerizing. As if her pondering had some magical power the man himself appeared before her. Sovereign offered her his hand. Freya knew she needed to be cautious but there was no need to be rude. She took his hand and allowed him to pull her up from the mound on which she had been sitting.
"I was told you would be here", he said.
"You were looking for me?" she asked. "Why?"
A sly grin crossed his face. "I told you we would meet again and I always keep my promises dear lady", he assured her. "I came to invite you to dine with me. My private chef is preparing a wonderful seafood and feta dish."
Freya surprised herself. She barely stopped the words of acceptance from passing from her lips. This man was a stranger no matter how devastatingly attractive he might be. Instead she asked him, "Do you live here in Greece?," she asked
" No", he replied. "I come from a place far away but I visit Greece often. That is why I have purchased a suitable home here. I have also become somewhat of an expert on the local culture and history. Perhaps I could provide you with information which might be valuable to your quest."
Freya took note of his evasiveness about where he was from. She could ask him to be more specific but she suspected he wouldn't give her a more definitive answer. She decided to take her cue from him.
"Well I haven't exactly told you what that quest is now have I?" she replied. "How do you know you could be of assistance?"
"Oh my dear lady I have extensive expertise in a variety of areas. Now concerning my invitation?"
"I have work to do here so I'm afraid I will have to decline," Freya said. She was surprised to hear the reluctance in her own tone.
"Nonsense that is what subordinates are for", he said somewhat imperiously.
Freya was somewhat taken aback. "They are not subordinates, they are colleagues and friends."
"Why of course. I meant no offense but you are the leader here are you not?", he asked quickly covering his bases. "Surely someone could cover for you for a short time."
Freya was beginning to waver when a strangely dressed young man approached them. Sovereign gave him a less than welcoming glance. Freya heard him growl under his breath, "speaking of subordinates."
"Sovereign please forgive the interruption but you are needed on an urgent matter", the young man mumbled. Freya noticed he was trembling and she was surprised his voice didn't squeak. He was clearly intimated by his "boss."
"What is it?" Sovereign demanded.
"It is Priestess Callisto again. She staging an uh, uh....."
Freya sensed the struggle the young man was having trying to come up with the right word. Something strange was definitely going on here. Just who was "Priestess Callisto and what was she protesting against?", she wondered.
"A protest. That is it. A protest.", the young man finally announced. He looked proud of himself but that look quickly vanished when the Sovereign glared at him.
"Can't you deal with it", Sovereign hissed.
"Umm no sir. I'm afraid your direct attention is needed in regards to this matter."
"Very well then," Sovereign conceded.
"I'm must go then. You know how troublesome demonstrators can be to a business.", the Sovereign told Freya. I have not given up on us dining together, however, I will be back rest assured." He took her hand and kissed it. "Till we meet again most beautiful lady," with that he was off.
"Till we meet again", Freya whispered as she once again found herself casting a longing filled look at his retreating figure. "What in the world was happening to her?" she wondered.
"How dare you oppress these people", Priestess Callisto said pointing an angry finger at the Sovereign's chest. Just behind them laborers were working their fingers to the bone producing weaponry. The conditions in which they toiled were utterly deplorable.
The Sovereign's ice blue gaze sliced Callisto like a finely polished dagger. "I am not oppressing anyone. They are here of there own free will. I give them a choice."
Priestess Callisto nearly choked. "A choice?, And what would that choice be?"
"A simple one", Sovereign replied. "Work for me or die."
"You're despicable", the Priestess shouted.
"I know. I consider it one of my best qualities."
The Sovereign turned to his top aide, Sinister Sal.
"Arrest her and see to it that she's tortured sufficiently. Perhaps one day she will see the error of her ways, and that further protest against my rule is futile."
"Your slipping, Sovereign," Priestess Callisto said softly. "Usually you see to my torture yourself."
"Oh so you'll miss my particular brand of punishment?"
"Certainly not. I was just wondering if the great Sovereign is growing too soft to do his own dirty work."
"I'm as hard as ever I assure you. Its just that I have more interesting irons in the fire else where. Now, Sinister Sal take her to the dungeon, and keep her there long enough to pay for this latest bit of insolence."
As Priestess Callisto was being led away she shouted back to the Sovereign: "I warn you Sovereign that some day you will pay for your sins against humanity. You will be over thrown, condemned for all eternity unless you repent. And there will be nothing left of your empire but charred ruins."
The Sovereign seemed to ponder this for a moment and burst out in a fiendish laugh. I don't think so my dear, my empire has only begun to grow. Just wait to see what I have planned next. I will be unstoppable."
Sovereign turned to the portal. "Now that everything is under control here, I need to return to the lovely Freya. We were about to do lunch." With that he stepped inside and vanished once more into the other side.
Freya sat alone in the tent that had been set up on the dig site. She was carefully studying each piece that had been uncovered that morning. She was hoping against hope that one would speak to her, reveal its hidden secrets.
Her colleagues had headed out to sample the local cuisine. They had wanted her to come with them but Freya had felt to driven by this mission to go. Her success as an Archeologist was already legendary. She had led many important digs. It was her work that had helped put her peers one step closer to discovering the lost city of Atlantis.
Freya sensed, however, that if she succeeded in her current mission, the former would pale in comparison. She couldn't explain why but she was starting to have faith that she would find the answers she was looking for.
The sound of footsteps outside the tent startled her. Freya knew it wasn't one of her colleagues returning. A sixth sense told her it was the Sovereign. Her suspicions were confirmed when she heard him asking permission to enter. That in itself surprised her. She had him pegged for the type who would demand not ask.
Freya was uncertain. He was still a virtual stranger and she was alone on the site. Something deep inside her compelled her to grant him entrance so she did. She nearly lost her breath when he entered.
He had changed since she last saw him. He was dressed in a dark blue suit. The Silver Scorpion medallion she had seen him wearing before substituted for a tie. He was also carrying a bouquet of deep red roses. He offered them to her.
"Exquisite flowers for an exquisite lady", he said softly.
"Thank you", Freya said, hoping that she didn't sound like a school girl in the throws of her first crush. "What are you doing here."
"I told you I wanted to dine with you", he replied. "I'm a man of my word. Shall we go?"
"What happened with the protest?" "Oh that. It was nothing I couldn't handle", he said confidently. "Now come, my chef is already preparing the feast even as we speak."
"Look Mr. Sovereign. You've been very kind and I don't mean to insult your hospitality but we are still basically stran.... Freya didn't get a chance to finish the sentence. The Sovereign grabbed her and silenced her with a very sensual kiss. When it was over Freya was speechless.
She could have sworn, however, that she heard him whisper, "hmm you will make a very, very, nice addition to my world indeed." Had she imagined that or if she hadn't what did he mean by it?
"What did you just say?", she asked him.
"Nothing. I was just thinking that after that kiss you could not possibly think of us as strangers. We know each other on a very deep and mysterious level. Now come Epicurean delights await us."
He ushered her out of the tent and for the life of her, Freya couldn't find it in her to protest.
Freya gasped in amazement as the Sovereign escorted her into his home. It was full on priceless antiques and artworks. There were diamond studded swords and brilliantly woven tapestries. Her fingers itched to touch the fine fabric. As if he read her mind, the Sovereign nodded approval. Freya indulged herself for just a moment.
"Your home is incredible", she sighed.
"Every treasure I own pales in comparison to your beauty", he whispered.
Freya blushed from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. She was almost grateful when one of the Sovereign's servants interrupted to say lunch was served. Maybe she could use the moment to actually catch her breath.
Freya was wrong. The Sovereign touched his hand to the small of her back to guide her forward. She felt positively giddy
They moved out onto a balcony that faced the Mediterranean. "It is so extraordinary blue just like the Sovereign's eyes", Freya thought. She sensed she was in deep trouble, but once again she decided to throw caution to the wind.
Sovereign came up next to her and brushed the back of his hand tenderly against her cheek. Freya grasped and squeezed it for just a moment. He flashed her an intriguing grin before pulling out her chair for her.
The table was set perfectly on a silken purple cloth. Wine goblets of gold sparkled with ruby red jewels. The silver ware looked like it had been passed down through the generations of a royal family.
They sat down to eat. Freya took one bite of the delicious shrimp and feta dish and thought she had died and gone to heaven. A glimpse across the table told her the Sovereign was enjoying her obvious delight. He lifted his goblet and toasted her. She lifted hers and touched his, rim to rim.
One swallow told her he also had excellent taste in wine. She said as much. "It should be delicious" he informed her. "Dionysus made it himself." Freya coughed delicately. "What did you say?"
A veiled look crossed the Sovereign's face. I mean there's a vinter in the village who calls himself Dionysus. He's a bit pretentious but he's a true artist at his work." Freya laughed delightedly. "He certainly is."
The rest of the meal passed in pleasant conversation. The Sovereign was well versed in many topics. Reluctantly two hours later, Freya announced that she should be returning to the site.
The Sovereign rose and gallantly pulled out her chair for her, but apparently he had no intention of letting her go. He brushed aside her hair and delicately nibbled on her ear. "Stay with me", he whispered silkily. Freya struggled to say the word "no." Her tongue was silent. She tried to make her feet move toward the door. They would not cooperate. In fact she was surprised she was still standing. They felt so weak.
Once more their minds seemed to be operating as one. The Sovereign quickly lifted her in his arms and swiftly whisked her inside to his bedroom. Freya was surprised at herself. Love with a virtual stranger wasn't normally her style. The problem was that nothing regarding this man was normal. He appealed to the adventurous side of her, and she wasn't about to fight it.
He laid her across the bed. The Sovereign quickly removed her clothes. Trailing his lips across each treasure he uncovered. Once her silk teddy hit the floor, he huskily invited her to undress him. Freya was only to happy to comply. Only slowing down when she reached the zipper to his pants. This was one moment she wanted to savor.
Once he was revealed to her in all his magnificence, they began to eagerly engage in the eternal dance of lovers.
Later when they were basking in the glow, Freya whispered. "Now I know why your called the Sovereign." His wicked laugh filled the air.
Stephan Themopolis had sent a bouquet of a dozen
roses to each member of the archeological team, and an invitation to spend the day being
pampered at the hotel's spa. He wanted them to be extremely relaxed so they could enjoy
his party later in the evening.
Melite, Nani, Calico, Cas, and Hawk set basking in a steamy sauna. They were sharing their
thoughts about their new benefactor.
"This guy must have more money than Bill Gates," Melite commented.
"Personally I'm interested in something besides his bank account," Calico remarked.
Cas grinned wickedly before adding; "I suspect what your thinking of is equally sizable
"We are so naughty," Nani said right before she burst into peals of laughter.
Hawk replied, "It's the only way to live." The teammates shared a high five.
Outside other amazons were being fitted for party dresses, again courtesy of Mr.
Themopolis. CJ picked out a strapless mini of shimmering purple. "You will look
lovely in that," Miss Altura remarked. She was the designer. According to the
concierge, it was rumored that her lineage could be traced back to ancient Greece. It was
believed that her ancestor, Althea had also been one of the finest couturiers in all the
land.
"Miss Altura this sapphire blue pant suit is just exquisite," Eponia
complimented. "May I try it on?"
"But of course all my designs are at your disposal. Mr. Themopolis insisted."
"He is just so generous," Chantal remarked as she looked in the mirror. Miss
Altura replied, "he can be." She approached Chantal and helped her adjust the
off the shoulder red gown. Miss Altura leaned closer and whispered, "he can also be
quite dangerous."
Chantal was taken a back for a moment. She hated to admit it but her feelings for the
enigmatic Stephan Themoplis were reaching deep into her soul. It was unexplainable because
they had shared such a brief time together thus far. It bothered her that this woman was
impugning his character. Her tone when she addressed Miss Altura was unnaturally sharp:
"You don't seem to mind taking his business."
"It is only because I've heard rejecting his business could prove quite unhealthy to
a person in several different ways, if you know what I mean."
"Miss Altura, I appreciate the warning. But we Social Scientists, like all other
scientists prefer to deal in fact not rumor. Mr. Themopolis has been nothing but a
gentleman to all of us. Besides the rest of the team and I are quite capable of taking
care of ourselves."
"So be it," Miss Altura replied.
"Just don't say I didn't warn you."
At that moment, Hercgirl called out, "Miss Altura would you please help me select
something, everything here is just so lovely, I can't seem to decide." The fashion
maven gave Chantal one last warning glance before going to Hercgirl's assistance.
Chantal tried unsuccessfully to ward off an unwanted shiver. "Don't be silly,"
she chided herself. I heard Stephan owns one of the newspapers here. Probably one of his
reporters just gave some of her fashions a bad review, and that's what has her knickers in
a knot. Or perhaps she is a spurned lover." At least Chantal hoped that is was
something like that. Her cautious nature was trying to alert her, but another part of her
just wasn't willing to accept the worst about the mysterious, Mr. Themopolis.
TBC
