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Spoils of War	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: Titles in the Public Domain > Shakespeare > Coriolanus Views: 4638 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I make no money or profile from this story other the joy of writing it and others reading it. All rights belong to Shakespeare. Any resemblance to person(s) living or dead is purely coincidental

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
Darkness Falls
                Coriolanus was called away after supper which immediately made Odessa uncomfortable. It was never a good sign when he left so abruptly without warning. “You sent for me mistress?” One of the servants said walking in.
                “Have you or the others found out anything else about him?” The Princess asked.
                “All of us have been listening to them as you wish us too. His men become more talkative when they enjoy their wine. His Praetorian is not so easily persuaded.” She responded.
                Odessa half smiled, “Of course not. It would be poor judgment indeed if his personal guards were weak minded and untrustworthy.” In the past few weeks since her family had died she had learned far more about military matters then she thought possible or knew existed. Her brothers had taught her how to wield various weapons since she could walk. In a family of 8 children, she had 5 older brothers and two older sisters. Odessa was much younger and all of them were very protective of their baby sister. For a while it was considered that she might have entered the order as a priestess and had even begun to be instructed to that end. But the life of a priestess in reality was a lonely one and her parents couldn’t bear the thought of condemning her to such a lonely life.
                “The General is incredibly loyal to his mother, Volumina.” She reported.
                “Yes, I’ve heard that more than once. It has been her who has pressed him to become a celebrated ‘hero’ of Rome. He prizes her opinion above all others.” Odessa didn’t know how it could be used to her advantage. If she attempted to press the matter in the wrong manner, she could make him extremely angry. She hadn’t seen that yet even after her poisoning his prisoners to end their suffering. Seeing him actually angry unnerved her to even think about. She had tried to use his wife and son to entice him to leave, but it hadn’t worked. It seemed to have no effect on him at all, “Where was he called away to? What is he doing?”
                “I do not know mistress, but the guards do not think he will be gone long.” She turned her eyes down, “Instructions were left . . . that the wine be prepared for his return and a meal to be served in the early morning hours.”
                Odessa closed her eyes and shook her head, “A meal? This is new. What does he intend for me now.” She said with a sigh. “What did the physician say? Am I with child yet? Can he leave me in peace?”
                “It is too soon yet to know mistress it has only been 16 days since he began to share your bed.” The woman said sympathetically. “It could be several months before you show any signs.” Odessa covered her face with her hand feeling sick. Months? He would remain in their city for months?
                “So I must continue to be subjected to this humiliation? Paraded on his arm through the city when he wishes to demoralize us further!?” She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. “We have long since stopped fighting him, why can he not show mercy?” She shouted, “What more can be done to appease this mad man?”
Peace
                It was after midnight before the General returned. Odessa sat in silence in the bed chamber waiting for him. When he came in the door she stood and walked over to him abruptly. Reaching out she seized his hands looking at them front and back before inspecting his arms. Finding them clean she released him. She’d expected to find him cover in some innocent’s blood having gone out to commit murder before. She gave him a dark look before turning and walking away.
                He smirked, “When have I ever entered this chamber or touched you without washing, Princess?” He questioned following after her.
                She stopped and turned facing him, “When are these barbaric acts of cruelty going to end?” She demanded. “When all of us are dead? When our bodies are left rotting out in the sun in a river of blood?”
                Coriolanus furrowed his brow, “Odessa, what do you imagine it is I have done this day?” He asked. “We enjoyed a meal together. A delicious Roman meal, and when I left this house you were in an amenable mood. I was gone just a few hours only to return and find you have gone back to being cross again.”
                Odessa starred at him a moment before walking over to the table before coming back handing him the rope that had become part of their nightly routine. He looked at it a moment before his eyes returned to her. The princess held out her hands waiting for him to tie them. It seemed she was anxious to get this over with so she wouldn’t have to look at him or speak with him anymore.
                The General held up the rope, “Tell me Princess,” He began. “How precious to you are the lives of your people?” Odessa looked at him not certain where this was going. “What if I told you that each day you cooperate and you show me absolute obedience, and you give yourself to me freely . . . none of your ‘innocent’ people will die?”
                “What?” She said not certain she heard him correctly.
                “You have wanted so much to help your people it is all you have thought about since their defeat. Now I am giving you a way to do that. To help them.” He said seriously.
                “And . . . if I refuse?” She asked hardly able to form the words, terrified of the answer.
                Coriolanus starred into her eyes, “Subjugated people will always need reminders that they have been conquered.”
                It was what she had been afraid of. She could help her people and keep them safe, but only by doing as he told her. There were tears in her eyes as she swallowed the lump in her throat.
                “You wanted power as the last royal member in this country, to help those who you hold most dear. Now I am offering it to you.” He said. “So? Will you help them?”
                She closed her eyes taking a breath as the tears escaped and slid down her face. Opening her eyes she looked at him once more. He gave a nod and tossed the rope away. Then he stepped forward and rested his hands on her shoulders pulling her closer. “Do you not want to see what pleasure, real pleasure can be like? I am the only man you have ever known Odessa. Your only lover.” He brushed his fingers against her face looking into her eyes. “I could show you such wondrous things.”
                Odessa’s skin crawled when he touched her like this, she could feel his breath on her face. He was so close. “How long have you been away from Rome?” She opened her eyes looking into his.
                He thought for a moment realizing it had been longer then he’d thought, “It has been nearly a year since I left.” He said his hands moving down her arms before wrapping around her waist and pulling her against him. “Almost as long since I had a woman’s body to keep me warm and sated.” He held her firmly leaning down taking a deep kiss. Odessa didn’t struggle, or fight against him, or pull back as she usually would have. The General wrapped his arms around her body holding her tight nearly lifting her from the floor as he gorged himself on her addictive taste. After a moment she wrapped her arms around him when he began to kiss her neck and shoulder. Her eyes starred straight forward feeling his arousal against her thighs.
                Coriolanus took a breath leaning back so he could look down into her eyes. He wanted all of her, every part of her. Odessa looked up at him remaining silent. What else could she do but comply? “Do everything that I ask,” He breathed. “And by morning things will be much different between us.” He whispered into her ear.
                “So much confidence in your abilities.” She said softly finding it rather egotistical to believe so.
                He half smile sliding his hand into her hair, “Well deserved, I assure you.” He said against her lips breathing in her silent. “If you had not been so insistent on being so standoffish, you would have already discovered this for yourself.” Coriolanus tangled his fingers in her soft hair, kissing her eagerly. He devoured her lips wrapping his other arm around her holding her tight against him once more. “Are you ready then?” He breathed heavily.
                “You will spare them?” She said looking up into his eyes. “Swear to me your word. Vow that if I give myself to you willingly, you will leave them alone.” Odessa asked wanting this to be clear.
                He released her a moment before placing his hand over his chest, “On my honor, I give you my word that no innocent blood will be spilt.” He swore.
                The young princess looked into his eyes knowing that if it was his honor, what he prized more than anything, he wouldn’t betray it. “Then . . . I am content.” She said softly. As long as he kept his word, then she would keep hers.
Baths
                Coriolanus had been called away a second time the same night their bargain was struck and he did not return that night or the following morning. It was evening now and Odessa sat in the large marble bathing pool in silence. The water was hot and she had sent the servants away wanting some time to herself to think.
                She hadn’t gone to sleep after Coriolanus left. Instead she stood looking out of the large window that held the view of the city from the master bedchamber. She could see the light of burning flames that cast a glow of warmth in homes, and lit the streets and buildings in the night. The consuming fires that had destroyed many things from the war had long since burned themselves out, but evidence of their destruction remained. The night sky was full of stars that shined like diamonds and pearls; a warm breeze found its way through the window and comforted her as though it was a breath from the Gods.
                “Do you intend to turn into a fish?”Odessa closed her eyes and shook her head with as sigh looking up at Coriolanus as he walked around the bath looking down at her. “Seems you have been in here for some time alone.”
                “Sometimes one needs to be alone with their thoughts.” She said softly.
                The General squatted down lacing his fingers together studying her a few moments. “Am I part of those thoughts?”
                Odessa looked up at him, “General Coriolanus, every since you first came into my life there is scarcely a moment when you are not in my thoughts.”
                He smirked, “I shall take that as a compliment.”
                “It was not meant as one.” She muttered under her breath.
                “I thought we had come to an agreement last night, Princess.” He said leaning his head back slightly as his eyes remained on her.
                “Yes. Then you were called away and only now have returned. There has not been a chance to go back on it.” She said looking at him, “Do you say now that you wish me to govern my tongue as well as my actions?”
                “Would certainly go a long way in your favor.” He said sternly. Odessa closed her eyes and lowered her head before giving a nod. “Good. In that case I will join you.” Her eyes opened and she looked up at him in horror. Coriolanus stood and removed his clothing before entering into the bath with her. She kept her eyes on him as he drew closer. In a panicked moment, she started to move back away from him but he reached out catching her around the waist and pulling her close. “After all this time together, are you still fearful of me?”
                “I know what you have done and I have seen what you are capable of.” She said looking into his eyes. “Who in their right mind would not fear you?”
                He smirked reaching up and smoothing his wet fingers through her hair a moment looking into her eyes. “You have to learn to separate one thing from another Princess Odessa.” He began, “You are a maiden and I am a man. When we are together with nothing between us in one another’s arms there is nothing else and we are nothing more.” She looked into his eyes listening to his words but her body remained tense as though she was a cornered animal ready to sprint away. “Close your eyes.” He instructed. She looked at him suspiciously wondering if he was going to submerge her head below the water and hold her there until she stopped moving so she would be no further trouble. “Close your eyes, Princess.” He said in a gentle tone.
                Odessa hesitated a moment longer before slowly doing as he said. Coriolanus leaned close to her pulling her wet body against his own and holding her tightly. She rested her hands on his shoulders to keep her balance her body still stiff as wood. He rested his hand to the back of her head and kissed her cheek before resting his face to hers just holding her close. “Always I have been a protector, Odessa.” He said in a gentle voice, “My family and my country I have fought all my life to protect.” He whispered to her ear, “You were given to me and you too I shall protect, if you would simply allow me.”
                 She was silent feeling his hands hold her close as they moved over her wet skin.
                There were countless stories and lessons about pride leading to ones downfall, and it seemed that both Odessa and Coriolanus were unaware of such tales as their pride was the strongest emotion either of them had. For Odessa, even though she was a princess, she was still just a woman. She was on the losing end of this battle before it began.
                “I cannot do that.” She said in a low voice, “I do not know how.” She had seen him kill now. She’d seen him soaked in blood; she witnessed the cruelty in which he had ordered people executed. Now that same man, those same hands were upon her body. More than once she thought of being truly noble, ending her own life and joining her family and people who had lost their lives. However there were many who were still alive and she couldn’t bring herself to abandon them. At times when he took her she managed to detach herself for a short while. However it got more and more difficult the more she saw him in action and knew of his deeds. Now there was a new fear that crept in the longer this went on. Soon, if she didn’t already, she would have his offspring growing down deep inside of her. This nightmare of a man who killed as easily as one would take a breath.
                “I will teach you.” He cupped her face in his hand before taking a slow taste of her lips the paused a moment savoring her taste before opening his eyes and gazing into hers. “You do not have to fight me anymore, my beautiful Princess Odessa.”
                Coriolanus started to kiss her again but his endeavor was halted when the announcement of the arrival of one of his men came from the door. He pause gritting his teeth clearly annoyed by this interruption as there seemed to have been an endless number of them the past few days. He growled slightly before releasing Odessa and climbing from the bath. He grabbed a cloth and wrapped his around his waist. The Princess quickly exited the bath as well wrapping one of the large sheet clothes around her. “ENTER!” He shouted.
                “General Coriolanus.” He said making his salute.
                “Phineus, the Gods help you if you bring word to me of the same matter from yesterday. I said I wanted to hear no more of it and that I was to remain undisturbed.” He said sternly.
                “I am sorry General but the situation has only grown to need more of your attention, Sir.” He said quickly. Coriolanus was less than happy but it seemed it was something he couldn’t ignore.
                “Return at once, I will follow.” He ordered. The man saluted again before leaving. Odessa had heard all and couldn’t help but fear the worst. When he turned to retrieve his clothing she hurried over to him.
                “You promised General, you gave me your word.” She said quickly. “What is this ‘matter’ that calls you away yet again?”
                “Nothing that concerns you or our agreement.” He said moving her from his way.
                “Rarely is it a good sign when you are called away so unexpectedly.” She said staying fast on his heels. “Usually it results in my waking to the sounds of the pain filled cries of my people.”
                Coriolanus stopped at turned looking at her darkly. There was a coldness in his eyes as he starred at her making a shiver run down her spine. “I am not fond of repeating myself Odessa, and I will not tell you again.” He said sternly picking up his tunic and pulling it on. “I assure you I will return before morning.” He walked passed her, “Be ready to make good on your promise to me then.”
Secrets
                Odessa sat quietly dressed in a nightgown, watching the flame of the torches burn that lit the room. It was hours since the General had left and he still hadn’t returned.
                “Princess.” Odessa’s eyes went wide hearing the voice that called her name; she stood quickly walking to the door.
                “Cyril, what are you doing here? You should not be in the palace.” She grabbed the woman’s arm pulling her into a corner keeping her voice low. “You told me yourself that the soldiers have seen you and can identify you. Of all the places you should not be this is the worst.”
                “I had to see you mistress, they have caught more of our sisters.” She said softly keeping her voice down. “It won’t be long until they have us all and slaughter us.”
                Odessa shook her head and took the woman’s hands in hers, “No, no not anymore. Cyril, I have made an arrangement with General Coriolanus and he has agreed to spare our people. He will not slaughter us anymore.” She reassured her.
                “Truly?” The woman said with hope in her eyes.
                Odessa smiled and nodded, “Yes. He has sworn me his word. Finally the endless bloodshed will cease.” Cyril smiled in relief and kissed Odessa’s hands.
                “Oh thank you Mistress, thank you.” She said bowing her head to her.
                “But you must not come out of hiding, not yet. Keep yourselves out of sight. Stay safe.” The Princess cautioned. Cyril nodded and kissed her hands once more. “Go now, quickly. Do not let any of the guards see you. I will send word when it is safe for us to meet again.” She promised. The woman smiled before pulling her scarf over her head and leaving the chamber.
                The Princess smiled feeling a small amount of relief that Cyril had gone. Roman’s had strange and somewhat inconsistent views on the various religions of the people they conquered. Sometimes they would tolerate them and leave them be. However, sometimes they felt it necessary to exterminate and stomp out some religions depending on how much sway and influence they held over those people that were now under Roman rule. It seemed they viewed the order to which Odessa was previously considered to enter as a threat to their occupation. Peaceful women, priestesses, were rounded up and murdered all over the country once the war was done. Many died in such horrid and unspeakable ways by their Roman captors.
Quiet Moments
                Odessa returned to the large bed and undressed before crawling under the covers. If Coriolanus was called away well into the day again then she would no longer wait up losing rest for it.
                It seemed as though she had only just closed her eyes when she felt someone’s hand on her arm stroking her warm skin, “Could not wait for my return I see?” he said softly.
                Odessa raised her head from the pillow rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “It must be nearly dawn. You were gone all night again.” She pointed out. “It had been a long day.” She sat up half asleep, “And you? Are you not weary? It seems you are called away every night. Find you no time to sleep?”
                “The will of Rome must always be seen to first.” He stated reached out and running his fingers through her soft lovely hair. She was so beautiful when she first woke. She most likely wouldn’t agree and be completely mortified at the thought but she didn’t see herself the way he saw her.
                “So are you ready to rest now before you are called away yet again?” Odessa asked.
                “Princess, for three days now I have been trying to arrange for us to spend some private time together. I do not intend to waste it.” He placed his hands on her shoulders starting to pull her in for a kiss, but Odessa raised her hand stopped him gently.
                “General,” She said softly, “A few hours will only help you, not hinder you. You should rest now.”
                Coriolanus arched a brow, “This would not be you trying to postpone the inevitable, would it?”
                She sighed softly and reached over taking his hands, “I am beyond weary as well. It is not easy to sleep in a house as busy as you have made mine.”
                He starred at her a moment rather distracted by her hand on him, this was the first very small bit of affection that she herself initiated. She had never done that before, “Perhaps you are right.” His eyes moved towards her “Very well. We shall rest first.” He stood and removed his clothing before getting into bed with her. He pulled her closer wrapping his arms around her resting her head to his chest. It wasn’t long before they both drifted to sleep.
New Leaf
                Odessa was the first to wake and opened her eyes. She lifted her head finding she was still lying beside the General. Even though he was resting peacefully his face remained stern and somewhat troubled. A man whose hands were constantly drenched in blood must have had countless demons. She reached up carefully sliding her fingers through his red hair his scruff on his face shared the same color. There was no denying that he was physically very attractive. He had a slender framed but his body was incredibly strong and firm. His scars were very extensive. Some of them indicating he had come close to losing very large bits of his body and even his life.
                Her fingers moved from his hair to his body carefully tracing over each mark only able to imagine what the wound that made it was like when it was new. She had never seen such horrific damage on a living human body. Her eyes moved back to his face knowing his inner scars were no doubt far more extensive. There was such hardship, pain, and suffering written all over him. Odessa felt a knot in her throat as tears formed behind her eyes. However she would never let them fall, not for this . . . murderer.
                Odessa’s soft hands continued to tenderly trace the old wounds finding herself saying a silent prayer over each one. Compassion wasn’t just a word for her. She felt it deeply for every living thing. Even him.
                “This is the first time you have laid hands upon me in such a way.” Coriolanus said as his eyes opened and gazed up at her. “With such gentle tenderness in your every touch.” He covered her hand with his against his chest.
                “You have lived through a lot, general.” She said in a soft voice. “The history of your life is written on your body. It has been a hard life.”
                “I do not deny that.” He smirked slightly, “Such marks are badges of honor in Rome. So many are eager to see them and there is even a gown specifically meant to show them. However it is not a tradition I hold with. You are privileged Princess. Not only to see them but to feel them under your touch.” He moved her hand slowly over his chest enjoying her softness.
                “Does it truly bother you to be looked upon unclothed?” She questioned.
                “No. Only when there are those who fawn over my wounds as if they were such fantastic badges of honor.” He said moving her hand down over his stomach to his abdomen. “They are wounds received in battle. Nothing more.”
                “Roman’s prize such marks then?” She said looking at the endless map of scaring on his shoulder and across his middle. “Even though they are painful and often deadly?” She said in astonishment. “What does your family say of them?”
                Coriolanus sat up with her wrapping his hands around her waist. He was fully aware of what she was doing when she began to speak of his family. “They are nothing Princess.” He repeated a bit more sternly. “Mere reminders of battles past and nothing more.” Before she could speak further he took a kiss from her gently. When she rested her hands on his shoulders he kissed her again. Odessa closed her eyes and timidly kissed him back. Needless to say, Coriolanus was delighted to find her returning his affections. After a few moments the kiss broke but they remained close, their lips nearly touching feeling each other’s breath on their face. “Your kisses taste like the food of the Gods.” He whispered. “I will carry them with me in this life and the next.”
                Odessa’s eyes opened as she took a breath and pulled back. He looked at her but didn’t let her retreat to far keeping a firm hold on her waist not certain of her reaction and waited to hear her speak. “How many children do you have, General Coriolanus.” She said keeping her eyes lowered.
                He furrowed his brow looking at her, “You know of my son already.” Thinking it an odd question.
                Another silent moment passed before she looked up at him, “And how many in your collection of prizes?” She asked directly.
                Coriolanus smirked slightly wrapping his hand around the small her back holding her close, “Ours . . . shall be my first.” He said gently into her ear, “Still you look for new reasons to pull away from me.”
                “No.” She said softly, “All of the same reasons. Somehow you manage to push them aside.”
                “Because they do not matter. I know more about you then you think Odessa. I know that for a time you were meant to become a Priestess. Because that is the temperament you have, it is why you pull away from me, from men.” His hands moved up her back as he looked into her eyes, “but you belong to me Princess. It is pointless to continue to turn away.”
                “Then why do you not just take me as you have from the first day I was brought to your tent? Why do you insist in attempting to seduce me when it is not needed?” She demanded. Odessa started to withdraw her hands from him but he instantly caught them holding them in place as though he couldn’t stand the thought of her pulling away again.
                He looked into her eyes, “I did not care at first if I am to be truthful.” He began pausing before he continued. “I am a soldier in the service of Rome herself as I have always been. There is no other life for me.” He said seriously. “As a leader and a warrior . . . no is permitted close to me. Even friendship is a rare and guarded circumstance.” He fell silent holding her hands tighter against him. “I cannot express how much I yearn for the intimate touch of a woman Odessa. To feel her naked body against mine, her gentle touch upon me, her tender kiss and embrace.”
                “You have camp followers that offer themselves up to all soldiers anxiously and willingly.” She said confused.
                “I would not soil my bed with taking such a woman into it. I have no interest in such creatures.” Releasing her hands he cupped her face in his hands. “None of them can give me the affection I desire, and not one of them is to be the mother of my child.” Instantly he consumed her lips desperate to taste her again, and then looked into her eyes, “Surely you can find some tenderness for your lover? He who is to make you a mother? Who wants only to hold you, kiss you, and caress you?”
                Odessa starred into his eyes feeling a little shaken at his words. It wasn’t enough that he had laid claim and the right to her womb but he wanted everything she had, everything a woman could offer. She still gazed into his eyes feeling ill to her stomach at the thought of it. But once again her mind was pulled to all of those in her kingdom who suffered and died under Rome’s occupation. Could she really turn her back and abandon them for the sake of her own selfish pride? When she could help them, she could stop the endless pain and suffering just by appeasing him?
                She remained silent for another moment before she placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him tenderly. The General was hardly expecting such an immediate response and his body shuttered as he wrapped his arms around her holding her close to him beyond aroused. Her hands moved to his shoulders pulling closer to him kissing him a bit deeper.
                Coriolanus moaned into her mouth devouring her kiss anxiously before swiftly laying her back down on the bed beneath him as he settled between her thighs. She continued to kiss him as her hands moved down his back feeling the bumps of his scars under her fingertips causing him to shiver. Hardly able to stand the intense sensations she was causing him and caught her wrists pressing them down into the mattress on either side of her. He took a breath looking down into her eyes before anxiously devouring her sweet taste once more.
                The Princess arched her back pressing the length of her naked body against his using what she had learned from him in the past weeks. The things that made his body quiver against hers. She arched her back again wrapping her legs around his waist. He groaned against her lips at the feel of her and grinned. He couldn’t wait to see what came next.
Evenings
                Supper was prepared and the table was set before Odessa appeared in the dining room. Much to her surprise, she found Coriolanus entering with a quickened pace. Before she could say anything, he wrapped his hands around her waist lifting her from the floor and spinning her about. Setting her back to her feet he found her lips kissing her hungrily.
                Caught off guard by this sudden onrush of passion, she pulled back looking up at him as he pressed his hips hard against hers. He grinned, “Last night was wonderful.” He said nuzzling her face, “It has been all I could think about since I first woke.” He kissed her against anxiously pulling her closer against him. “I knew to have you offer yourself to me; to give of yourself to be freely would be to touch the heavens themselves.” He started to kiss her again but she stopped him.
                “Supper is set.” She said looking towards the table. Coriolanus half smiled not even having noticed.
                “Of course.” He said taking her hands and kissing them, “I saw only one nourishing feast before me as I entered.”
                “Perhaps.” She said not understanding how it was this went from his duty to honor tradition to an uncontrolled onrush of unbridled passion. “If you roasted me with your beloved Roman seasonings.” She said moving from his embrace and walking to the table sitting down. He half smiled before walking over and sitting with her.
                “Fear not my lovely Princess, I have no intention of eating you.” He grinned devilishly, “Not in that manner.” He said in a husky voice into her ear. Her eyes went wide as she reached over picking up the bread and tearing off a chunk. He chuckled slightly seeing her discomfort. It had been several weeks since they began to lie together, but she was still new to physical relations and his sexual appetite tended to overwhelm her at times. “Perhaps this evening, if you will permit me, I may demonstrate my meaning.”
                Odessa cleared her throat not wanting to continue such a conversation outside the bedchamber it was bad enough to have to endure it in private. “Has there been any word as to when the governor from Rome is to arrive?” She said changing the subject.
                Coriolanus picked up a dish pulling it closer before beginning to eat. “Soon. Within the next few weeks perhaps. It is time this city began to rebuild in the Roman image. The Empire will soon bring modernization and civilization to this country.”
                “What of its people? How are they to be treated with such changes of ‘Roman’ design?” She questioned.
                “Rome takes care of those whom she rules. Famine, disease, war, all of it Rome will remedy. If this country knew what it was to be given, its people would have laid down their arms the first day.” He said taking another bite of food before a drink of wine.
                Odessa paused a moment starring at the food as she simply marveled at the utter arrogance. It must have been a common Roman trait because his men were just as arrogant. Pushing it aside she continued the meal, “You have chosen a house for your governor when he arrives then?”
                Coriolanus signed and looked at her. Odessa knew why he stared at her and she kept her eyes turned away. “Princess, once again I find you trying to start an argument when there is no need for it. Do you really dislike seeing me in a pleasant mood so much that you will risk my anger?”
                “It was not my intention to anger you; I simply wish to know what is going to become of my country and my people. It seems our entire way of life is to be changed. Should I not be aware of such changes?” She questioned.
                “You are irrelevant.” He said seriously, “What is going to happen will happen regardless of your approval or disapproval.”
                Odessa looked at him clinching her jaw biting back her anger but she wasn’t certain she could maintain it. She stood up walking away from the table. Instantly Coriolanus stood following after her and caught her arm. “Leave me be, I intend to honor our arrangement, but I need not be subjected to such abuse throughout the day.” She said trying to pull her arm from his grasp but it was useless, he was far too strong. “Release me.” She demanded again.
                “Stop this Odessa.” He said seriously changing to hold her by the shoulders turning her to face him. The General sighed looking over her before into her eyes which were positively glowing with anger. “We spent such wondrous hours making love together, why must you go out of your way to ruin it so quickly?” She just stared at him for several long moments and Coriolanus could almost feel her rage welling up inside her at his words.
                “Making love? Is THAT what you call ‘making love’?” She violently tore her shoulders away from his grasp, “How dare you presume to use such a word when referring to me. How DARE you use such a word at all!” She roared before turning and storming from the hallway.
Frustration
                Instead of returning to ‘their’ room the Princess went outside into the large courtyard to calm herself. She never knew herself capable of such anger until this man entered into her life. Every opportunity to beat her down he took. Even when it wasn’t necessary. It never escaped her attention that she was conquered and what she was to him.
                Why couldn’t he have just ordered her execution with the rest of her family? Why must he have her as a ‘prize’? What was the point of keeping her alive except for his own amusement?
                It had been hours since she had left the house and was still pacing quickly in her frustration. Her mind seemed to be running around in circles finding no comfort or relief in her thoughts. She couldn’t be any more trapped then she was at this moment.
                “It’s nearly midnight and yet you still pace.” She heard Coriolanus say.
                Odessa came to a stop and sighed, “How long have you been there General?” She asked.
                He had been leaning on the stone banister and pushed up walking around it approaching her. “Long enough to see you’re expending a great deal of anger and energy that could be put to better use.” Odessa clinched her jaw and rolled her eyes shaking her head.
                “Do you think of anything else?” She said in annoyance.
                The General smirked walking over to her, “Come with me.” He said offering her his hand. She glared at him feeling as though her every word fell on deaf ears. She took his hand and he kissed her knuckles before leading her from the courtyard.
                To her surprise, he didn’t take her back to their bedchamber instead he took her to one of the large empty rooms off the main corridor. When they arrived, he released her and walked to a table that had several sets of weapons laid out. He picked up the two swords before returning and handed her one. Odessa furrowed her brow looking up at him. “I was under the impression I was not permitted access to ‘sharp objects’.” She said repeating what he had said to her several weeks ago.
                Coriolanus held it up to her, “Under the proper supervision, I think it will be fine for one evening.” The Princess looked at him suspiciously before taking the sword from him. “You have proven you have some skill with a blade.” He said taking a step back holding his sword to his side, “show me.”
                “I beg your pardon?” She said starring at him.
                He gave her a look knowing she had heard him and lunged towards her striking fast. Instantly Odessa blocked his attacks before stepping forward and returning several blows. Coriolanus blocked them pleasantly surprised to see she knew what she was doing. At once he began to throw faster attacks adding footwork and strength only to find her undaunted meeting every challenge. Some of her moves were very advanced and required great skill and dexterity. Things got more intense and before long Coriolanus found himself having to disarm her. He spun about grabbing her from behind laying the sharp edge of his blade to Odessa’s neck forcing her to drop her sword.
                Both were breathing incredibly hard having been sparring for nearly an hour. He had been expecting to have to give her some instruction but there was no point in which it was needed and perhaps once or twice she showed him things he would remember for future skirmishes and battles.
                “Where did you receive such instruction?” He demanded holding her arm twisted behind her back, keeping the razor sharp blade to her throat.
                “My family. I was taught from the time I was born how to hold a weapon.” She stated. “My brothers taught me very well.”
                “A woman should not possess such knowledge.” He said still in awe of her prowace. Odessa grit her teeth leaning her head back against him. Suddenly she stomped on the arch of his foot, bringing her elbow back to the space at his middle just under his ribcage in his diaphragm knocking his wind from him. He was effectively stunned and she grabbed his wrist twisting herself around under his arm flipping him over her and down on his back. Kicking her sword up from the floor she caught it and pressed the tip against his throat looking down at him.
                “I had 5 brothers. All brave and skilled warriors. Much larger, much stronger then I. I had to learn quickly to keep up with them and simply survive.” She said pressing the tip a bit harder into his neck stretching him further.
                “They sound courageous. I wish I could have fought them.” He said looking up at her.
                She starred down at him clinching her jaw, “You did. At least two of them fell under your blade in battle.” He voice broke as she bit back the pain in her heart. Suddenly she threw the sword away. “Such activities are not fitting for a Princess.” Then she turned and left the room to return to the bed chambers. Coriolanus stood from the floor still quite stunned by the entire activity.
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                “Is the physician certain?” Odessa asked sitting with her back straight, her eyes staring straight forward. “There can be no mistake?”
                “Yes mistress.” The woman said seeing the look of shock and disappointment in the Princess’s eyes. Several long uncomfortable moments of silence passed before Odessa stood, “Have word sent to Coriolanus. I would prefer it if his things and his men were removed from my house before nightfall.”
                The woman bowed and hurried off to do as she was bid. Odessa closed her eyes and took a breath as she lowered her head. Her hands rested over her abdomen where Roman blood now resided. It was hard to keep her tears from escaping. She was filled with terror of this day arriving and now it had finally come.
                She didn’t know exactly what it meant or what was to become of her now.
To be Continued . . . . .
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Spoils of War