forum The Jester and the Queen (Closed)

Started December 26, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

@Serpentess (Ōn’nyosh and Cleopatra)

The sun rose on the horizon, and with it, Cleopatra. She stirred between her silk sheets, finally waking to discover a woman in front of her still sleeping. The queen hesitated a moment, especially when another pair of arms were wrapped around her abdomen from behind. These arms, however, were clearly belonging to a man. She winced slightly at the light and blinked to get her eyes to adjust. Gods, what happened last night?

Whoever the body behind her was, he began to wake as well. One of his arms moved up, and she felt him brush her honey-colored hair out of the way to seductively kiss her neck and down toward her shoulder. Cleopatra's lips parted, and she tried not to moan. Who is he? Who is she? How much wine did she drink last night? Obviously too much.

Now the woman was beginning to wake. Her eyes flickered open, and she smiled when she saw Cleopatra looking at her. "Good morning, Your Majesty," she cooed, lifting her hand up and lacing her fingers easily in Cleopatra's hair. She drew her in for a deep kiss, and the queen didn't protest. Instead, she reached toward the girl and pulled her closer. All of their legs were tangled together, and Cleopatra was in heaven. She was done trying to piece together the night before. She was delighted here and now. A gorgeous woman was kissing her, and behind her, she hoped a gorgeous man was doing the same.

The woman's tongue slipped into her mouth, but Cleopatra wasn't one to be dominated. Not in bed, and not on the battlefield. She was a conquering queen and a dominant woman. So she forced her own tongue into the mystery woman's mouth, causing her to gasp.

From behind her, the man, not wanting to be left out, started sucking on Cleopatra's neck and slid his knee up between her thighs. Cleopatra moaned passionately and was about to reach behind her, but before things could continue, a woman's voice outside her tent spoke.

"Your Majesty? Your court requests your presence."

Breathless and reluctant, Cleopatra drew back from her lovers and sat up. The morning air felt cool against her naked breasts, but she didn't bother covering them. Obviously whoever the man and woman in her bed were had already seen them, and it wasn't like she wasn't confident about her appearance.

A finger – she couldn't tell whose – began to trace the outline of the snakes on her lower back. The queen closed her eyes and stifled another moan. Fuck! Her eyes opened again, and she noted the distinctive outline of the woman outside her tent. Charmion.

"Very well," Cleopatra replied reluctantly. "Tell them I require a change of clothes first, then I shall bless their dry meeting with my appearance."

Charmion smirked from the other side of the silk tent. "Yes, my Queen."

Cleopatra looked over her shoulder to see the man and woman in her bed making out together. "Oh, for the love of the gods, go on and fuck elsewhere."

They both looked at her, startled, before sliding out of her bed and dressing themselves only to run for the army of tents below Cleopatra's to do as their queen wished.

She rolled her eyes while she slipped from the sheets and into a white blouse, black pants, and a maroon and gold half-vest-half-cardigan. A few more moments were dedicated to her hair to make sure it looked less maniacal. Once her honey waves were lovely and her makeup was suitable, Cleopatra strode from her tent and didn't stop walking until she entered the long tent her council occupied. They rose for her, and she stood at the head of the table, eyeing them all sharply.

"What in the world do you want now?" she demanded. Well, at least she hadn't called them all idiots this time.

(Ta-da… that's Cleopatra! 😂)

(Lmao! Ōn’nyosh is going to be obsessed with her, lol!)

---

He walked along at a casual pace, admiring the scenery around him. Ōn’nyosh hadn’t been this way in a while, so he’d forgotten the beauty of the grassy land. Trees lightly spotted the landscape.

Ōn’nyosh smiled, adjusting his grip on his satchel. For a long time, he wandered. Then, he noticed something in the distance. Curious, he headed toward it.

Eventually he came to a small group of trees and he ducked behind one, his brown traveling clothes somewhat blending him in. He grabbed his hat, holding it against his leg to hide the conspicuous feathers.

When he was ready, he finally peeked around the trees to see a massive crowd of tents. What were they doing out here? Was it an army? Why?

His curiosity only grew and Ōn’nyosh stepped out from the trees and boldly headed toward the tents. Placing his beloved hat back on his head, he decided that if this army would be hostile, then he’d simply act like a wandering jester willing to play for anyone. It wouldn’t be a stretch at all, considering that he was exactly that.

(😁😁😁)

"Y-Your Majesty," a stammering nobleman began. Cleopatra couldn't remember his name. Have I slept with him? "The soldiers are exhausted, as are we. Perhaps it's time we return to the capital for rest." No, definitely not, she thought decidedly. I don't sleep with cowards.

The queen slammed her palms down on the table, making her bracelets fly up her forearms. Everyone in the tent flinched at her action but Charmion. Cleopatra's handmaiden knew what to expect by now.

"I won't hear of cowardice among my court," she snarled out. "We are a conquering nation, and so we will do just that. We. Will. Conquer." She narrowed her eyes at the man who spoke as she dragged out her declaration. "Am I understood?"

"Y-Yes, Y-Your Majesty," the nobleman stammered, but Cleopatra was no longer looking at him. Her eyes had locked on a lone figure approaching from the distance.

"General Nailah," she said suddenly.

The man in question sat up straighter. "Yes, my Queen?"

"Gather a group of soldiers." Cleopatra pointed toward the person in the distance. "And bring them here."

The general nodded and was out of the tent quickly. Soon, a battalion of 6 men were approaching Ōn’nyosh on their queen's orders.

Ōn’nyosh chuckled to himself when he noticed movement in the camp, then when that movement became approaching people. He counted six men, warriors by the looks of it. So, it was indeed an army. Why, by the idiot gods, were they out here?

As the men closed on him, Ōn’nyosh bowed deeply, straightening with a flourish. He then put on a charming smile.

“Good morning, folks! My name’s Ōn’nyosh and I’m a traveling jester. I couldn’t help but notice your camp and I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind a little show, in exchange for the meager price of a meal and a few supplies to replenish mine,”he said.

He wasn’t sure how well his speech would work, considering the demeanor of the men, but if they at least took him to their commander, he’d be content. He’d be far more capable of learning about this camp from its leader than a few mere soldiers.

The men all exchanged a look, General Nailah at the head of them. He squinted at the stranger, judging his appearance and hesitating a moment. The man – this jester – was offering to come willingly. That would certainly make it easier.

"Empty your belongings," the general ordered firmly. He couldn't have a strange man infiltrating their camp and somehow managing to have a weapon that could be used to kill their queen.

Above them, Cleopatra watched with great interest. "Finally, something not boring," she said aloud, not caring how many council members heard it.

Amidst shouts of protest, she made her way around the council table and headed out for where the guardsmen were meeting up with the stranger. As she approached, she lifted her chin higher and strode over the ground with a graceful yet commanding gait. It was nothing new to her. She knew how to appear confident.

Her men quickly deferred to her as she approached, looking slightly shocked to see their queen descend from the tent and join them.

"Your Majesty," General Nailah said, bowing before her as did the rest of his soldiers.

Cleopatra waved her hand dismissively, and they all stood at attention again. Her eyes observed the man before her, and she gave him a scrutinizing up-and-down look. "Who are you? What are you doing here and what do you want?"

Ōn’nyosh laughed at the man’s order.

“That… will be much harder to do than you think. But, I assure you I only have two weapons on me. A dagger that is more of a prop, and a blowgun,”he said.

Ōn’nyosh unsheathed the dagger from his hip, then lifted a foot and reached into his boot, pulling out the little blowgun. He didn’t bother mentioning his rapier. Unless he unsheathed it, the sword and its scabbard was basically invisible. And, he didn’t like giving away his most prized weapon.

Then, Ōn’nyosh noticed the approach of an interesting woman. He had little doubt that she was a high-ranking individual, just from her stride. He was even more sure by the way the men bowed to her. Though, he hadn’t exactly expected she would be a queen. A grin grew on his face.

“Your Grand Majesty, I am Ōn’nyosh, a wandering jester. And, I would be honored to perform for you in exchange for a meal and a few supplies,”he said with a deep bow.

He straightened with a flourish, quite content with her gaze on him. She did have a good bit of allure herself, and that wasn’t including the fascinating way she so easily commanded those around her.

Cleopatra lifted her chin, put her hands on her hips, and smirked. She could get used to being called "Grand Majesty." Maybe one day, when the entire continent was hers.

During her war party, two kingdoms had already fallen at her feet. Now, she'd been coronated three times and was a thrice-crowned queen of Allikos, Peidest, and Clarion. She refused to stop until every nation took a knee before her throne and her crowns. Though the crowns were not something Cleopatra preferred to wear unless it was for a ceremonial purpose.

In fact, as a representation of each nation, she was a queen of, a precious gemstone representing the previous royal colors was added to the golden choker she wore around her throat. It already had three sparkling jewels hanging from it. A ruby (her homeland of Allikos), an emerald (Peidest), and an amethyst (Clarion). When Reinerre surrendered, a sapphire would be added to her necklace. There would be four more kingdoms in her way once Reinerre fell, but Cleopatra was unfazed. She would conquer, just as she always had done. Every king of his land would be forced to give her his crown and title. The thought made her dizzy with excitement.

Her eyes lit up at the prospect of Ōn’nyosh's performance. Hopefully this will shut up my noble court, she thought. A break from the war to watch an amusing jester.

"Ōn’nyosh," she began, addressing him by his name. "I am Queen Cleopatra, thrice queen of Allikos, Peidest, and Clarion." She narrowed her gaze slightly to look at him through her lashes. "My court and I welcome you and anticipate your performance with great interest."

Ōn’nyosh took note of her choker shining in the sun. He already suspected that the jewels had significance, he just wasn’t sure how. Though, his attention momentarily drifted to her gorgeous neck. He would love to kiss that neck of hers, even just once.

Her words, particularly the way she said his name, brought his attention back to reality and he bowed again. That she had named herself as ruler of three kingdoms, and had three gems on her choker, wasn’t lost on him.

“I am deeply honored,”he purred.

As he straightened, he noticed her gaze. For some reason, he couldn’t get enough of it. The intensity of her eyes, and that lovely little shield from her eyelashes was just… intoxicating. He wondered if her ‘interest’ in him was purely related to his profession, or if she was open to other performances as well. He didn’t care at all that she was a queen.

Cleopatra easily noted the way he was staring at her neck and choker. Let him stare. It will soon be the most prized possession on the continent. And it will be mine.

Her lip pulled up into a smirk. "The honor is ours," she replied, brushing her hair over her shoulder casually.

General Nailah took a small step toward Cleopatra and reached out to touch her upper arm lightly. "Your Majesty, are you sure it's wise to bring a complete stranger into our camp?" he asked quietly. "He hasn't even been searched yet."

The queen barely heard his words. She narrowed her eyes at him and glared down at where his hand was in contact with her clothes. Nailah seemed to realize his mistake, and he instantly let go of her. Cleopatra refused to yield, and the general took a small step back.

"Something gave you the nerve to touch my arm," she said in a deadly even voice. "I don't know what it was, but it will not happen again, General."

Nailah looked incredibly embarrassed and dipped his head out of shame. "My apologies, Your Majesty."

"As for bringing a stranger into our camp, the choice is mine and mine alone," the queen continued, her hazel eyes burning a hidden fire behind them. "Should he murder me in my sleep, then I suppose the gods had it coming for me. Let my judgments be mine and mine alone. And never touch me again."

With that, she turned on her heel – she wore thin golden sandals and jewel-studded anklets on both of her ankles – and led the way back up to her camp with her hips swaying confidently. The soldiers and general followed behind her, trading looks amongst themselves.

That smirk and the little flick of her hair, so casual, and yet so full of potential meaning. Ōn’nyosh’s mind was whirling, hoping that he was reading her right. If he wasn’t… well, it wouldn’t be the first time he’d been beaten senseless by a hostile group of people.

He watched closely at the interaction between Cleopatra and the general. After a moment, Ōn’nyosh had to fight hard to keep his laughter at bay. He miraculously stayed quiet, but it was still hilarious.

Though, when she mentioned him murdering her in her sleep, he rose an eyebrow in surprise. He wouldn’t murder her! He wouldn’t dare hurt a woman! Though, he would definitely do something else. Or, more accurately, he’d let her do something to him. He hadn’t been ‘conquered’ in a little while.

Hold it now. Think calm thoughts. She’s just a woman… A gorgeous woman… A gorgeous woman with an attitude, and a need to dominate… Fuck! I’m screwed. Hopefully in the good way, but more likely in the bad way.

Ōn’nyosh cleared his throat, then followed the group. His eyes stayed on Cleopatra though, particularly her lovely ankles, and her lovelier hips. He eventually had to force himself to look at the ground, just to avoid drooling.

In time. In time. And, that’s if she’s even willing. For now, be the jester, not the whore. Insults over women. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.

At Cleopatra's pace, they made their way back to the tents in half the time it took for General Nailah to assemble the battalion and make their way out to Ōn’nyosh. The queen was not one for wasting time, especially when it was precious to her goal. The sooner she conquered every throne in her way and became the High Queen Regnant of the continent, the sooner the legacy of her shit-faced father was replaced by her own. And that was something the thrice-crowned queen was looking forward to more than anything.

Soon, they were standing in the middle of her camp. Above them, the white fabric of Cleopatra's own tent billowed whimsically in the breeze. She momentarily wondered about the man and woman she'd woken up to this morning before dismissing the thought. Most of her lovers only lasted a night. Then they were gone. And it wasn't like Cleopatra cared for any of them deeply enough to ask them to stay.

"Ladies and gentlemen and bastards of the court!" Cleopatra called to gain everyone's attention.

Charmion covered her face with her hand while Cleopatra simply smirked at the reactions among her courtiers as they came out of their own tents. All of them – every single one of them – were men who were left over from her father's court. She planned on changing that immediately once they got back to Allikos.

"I give you the jester, Ōn’nyosh!" Cleopatra ended her declaration by motioning to the man behind her.

While her soldiers and courtiers clapped – some of them more hesitant to do so than others – Cleopatra strode up to her embellished throne and lowered herself gracefully onto it. Once she was settled, the woman leaned back and lounged against it in a way that was both casual and powerful at the same time. Her hazel eyes were blazing with delight as they met Ōn’nyosh's from her position, and the golden bangles on her wrist glittered in the sunlight.

"Go on, jester," the queen purred from her seat. "Amuse us."

Ōn’nyosh continued to follow the Queen and her entourage, noting the speed of their arrival. He actually quite appreciated that. Cleopatra certainly knew what she was after.

He then listened to her introduction, chuckling a bit. The reactions of everyone around only made him chuckle more.

Then, when Cleopatra announced him, Ōn’nyosh bowed deeply. He didn’t much care that some folks seemed hesitant toward him. That was to be expected by all jesters.

Ōn’nyosh watched Cleopatra sit afterward, meeting her delighted gaze with an eager one. He then grinned wide at her words, trying hard not to make a perverted comment before his show had even begun.

“As you wish, Your Grand Majesty. How shall I begin? I have…”he began.

With a quick flick of his thumb on the clip of his satchel, and a subtle twist of the strap, Ōn’nyosh lifted the bag off his shoulder and it turned upside down, dumping a good pile of props and other stuff on the ground. Ōn’nyosh turned, seeming quite surprised and trailing off of his speech when he saw the pile.

“Well, shit.”

Ōn’nyosh then chuckled, shrugged, and tossed aside his satchel. Then, he leaned down and started picking up stuff.

“So… I have juggling balls…”he started, tossing a few up in the air. He caught two, but one ended up bouncing off his head. He made a face, then shook his head, tossed away the other balls, and continued on.

“I have cards…”

He picked up two handfuls of cards, spreading them into fans, and subtly shook his hands. The cards softly rattled and Ōn’nyosh did a little dance, hopping around in a circle and waving the cards around in a way meant to be alluring. It didn’t look right, but that was the point. When he stopped dancing, Ōn’nyosh casually tossed the cards over his shoulders and straightened.

“I also have props!”

He whipped around to grab an unstable wooden step. He set it next to him, grabbing a stick poorly carved to resemble a sword, and hopped onto the stand, raising the sword high and shouting a ‘Huzzah!’ to the sky. The step tipped over and Ōn’nyosh fell flat on his face.

“Shit.”

He lifted his head, spitting out little bits of dirt and snatching his hat. He then rolled over and nimbly jumped to his feet, placing his hat back on his head with a twirling flourish.

“And, finally, I have my own tongue. Which, I must warn you… is quite naughty,”Ōn’nyosh said, sticking his forked tongue out and grinning mischievously.

He straightened once more, dusting himself off, then chuckled.

“How shall I begin?”he asked again, timing it perfectly so that, when he flicked his wrists, two Ace cards popped into his hands as he said ‘begin’.

Cleopatra leaned forward slightly, becoming more and more interested in his display. A few chuckles floated through the air as Ōn’nyosh made a clever fool out of himself before them all, but Cleopatra didn't break. Her eyes were focused on his movements, noting every decision he made with his body language. It was a game that she was very familiar with.

When the jester posed the question, shouts rang out around the crowd as they tried to get Ōn’nyosh to perform as they pleased.

"Balls!"

"Props!"

"Cards!"

After a moment of cacophony, Cleopatra's voice silenced them all: "Your tongue."

The queen had an amused smirk on her face as she sat up, all signs of carelessness gone. "Your tongue," she repeated, her eyes still fierce as they met Ōn’nyosh's.

Ōn’nyosh smiled a bit at the calls to him, but he ignored every single one. He was waiting only for Cleopatra’s response. Particularly, since she was actually thinking about her choice, instead of impulsively shouting at him.

When she finally answered, the crowd silenced. For a breif moment, it even seemed like the world had gone silent. All that was left was Cleopatra’s smirk and her intense gaze. Then, the world was normal again.

“Well, I’m glad there’s someone here who’s interested in something more than the mundane. So few seem capable of understanding how easy most of these tricks are. Many involve only a simple flick of a wrist, or the practice of good eyes and reflexes. Yet, the tongue is a little trickier. Wit is something that so very few people have,”Ōn’nyosh purred, boldly holding Cleopatra’s gaze.

He tossed aside the cards in his hands, then took his hat off, holding it near his face.

“Now, generally, I just start rambling on and on, calling folks names and making snide remarks. But, I’m going to try something different here. So… insults…”he paused to move his hat across his face to the other side, an evil grin appearing.

“… to show off to all of the dumbass bastards around us? Or, limericks…”he paused again, moving his hat back across his face, a soft, charming smile replacing the grin.

“… to show off to the angelic woman before me?”he finished, putting his hat back on.

Murmurs broke out through the crowd at the jester's somewhat demeaning words. Was he insulting their intelligence? Was he suggesting they had no wits of their own?

Many were too preoccupied with their thoughts, and so few noted the intensity of the gaze that Cleopatra and Ōn’nyosh shared. It gave the woman a rush, staring into the eyes of someone who was unafraid of a challenge. Unafraid of her. It was electrifying.

This time, the space after his question was filled with silence. No one dared to answer as they all turned their eyes to their queen. Her courtiers held their breaths.

Cleopatra crossed her legs and arched an eyebrow. "That, my dear jester, is your choice to make. I warn you; tread lightly with the choices you place in my hands…"

(I apologize for the, rather mature, horrors you’re about to read. As I mentioned before, Ōn’nyosh has no shame, lmao! And, if you ever want me to tame him down, just let me know)

---

Ōn’nyosh waited patiently, his mischievous grin appearing as he continued to hold Cleopatra’s gaze. He knew how she felt. Few would ever dare look her in the eye for fear of retribution. But, Ōn’nyosh wasn’t like that. He had no fear, because his only fealty was to himself.

What could a Queen do to someone outside of her jurisdiction? To someone that only acknowledged the person, not their power? Would she kill him and lay waste to a good performance? Would she force him to kneel, and pray he obeyed? Or would she conquer him another way?

Ōn’nyosh chuckled,”Very well. I shall, then, do both. And, why tread lightly? Would that not be a missed opportunity in a life that occurs only once?”

After a moment, Ōn’nyosh glanced around at the crowd, humming in contemplation. He then pointed to the side of the crowd to his left.

“I think I’ll do this side. The other side shall be spared… for now,”Ōn’nyosh said, snickering.

“So, because I want to, my insults shall be names. To begin with… He-Who-Watches-Yellow-Rain. Shit-Eater. Rock-Biter. He-Who-Pisses-For-Piss-Watcher. Ass-Sniffer… I’m not sure if that’s an insult or a compliment, to be honest. You do have a big fucking nose. Anyway, Sniffs-Of-Goat. Big-Toe-Meet-Eye. Nub… just Nub. Enemy-Of-The-Unblemished. Yawn-Twice-For-Me. Sir Eat-My-Snout. Shit-Maker. Shitty-Maker. Fuck-Toy. And, finally, Big-Cheif-Eat-Fuck-Toy.”

Ōn’nyosh miraculously kept his composure, even though he obviously wanted to fall over laughing. He then cleared his throat and turned back to Cleopatra.

“Now, for the limericks. I’ll do three, with a short pause between each of them to let the mind ‘settle’, if you will,”Ōn’nyosh announced with a grin.

He then cleared his throat again, quickly thinking up three limericks.

“A lonely jester came into town. He met a woman with a constant frown. He sucked her dry. In front of his eye. Then her husband beat him into renown.”

Ōn’nyosh paused, as he’d said he would. A small chuckle escaped him.

“There was once a grand king’s jester. Who let his love for the Queen fester. He performed everyday. Even in the hay. Until she asked him to undress her.”

Another pause. He watched Cleopatra closely, assessing her reactions.

“Be sure to touch my rapier, love. And dare not forget to leave the glove. I shall tell a tale. Of a horny male. Who wants to stay ‘til the moon’s above.”

Ōn’nyosh couldn’t help a sly grin. A bold finale, yes, but, at worst, he’d probably be chased away. At best, Ōn’nyosh might have himself a Queen tonight.

(Omg 😂 No shame is right! I think this was one of my favorite responses to write yet for this rp… 😏)

Cleopatra's eyes widened slightly. By the goddess, this jester had an incredible amount of audacity. She wouldn't be so… what was the word? Forbearing. That was it. She wouldn't be so forbearing with the next decision he placed in her hands. No matter what it was.

Her eyes followed his finger as he pointed to the members of her court. The amused look was still in her eyes. And then his mouth opened.

The queen instantly sat up straighter and watched with glee as the members of her court were one by one put to shame by the most ridiculing and explicitly insulting nicknames. They all looked downright horrified and turned their eyes to Cleopatra to see if their queen would do anything to stop this madness unfolding before them.

She didn't.

Instead, Cleopatra nodded in response to his preceding remarks about his limericks. As amusing as his colorful insults had been, this was what she wanted to hear.

She lifted her chin in acknowledgment of the first. Well, I don't have a husband to beat him if he wanted to suck me dry, she thought, still studying every minuscule movement of the jester's actions. It was still a performance after all.

Onto the second limerick. This one was similar, but still very different. He'd specifically mentioned "Queen." She could feel the eyes of her entire encampment watching her. She gave no visible reaction while meeting Ōn’nyosh's gaze again. It was a wonder lightning didn't physically come down and strike the middle distance between them. Cleopatra could feel the electricity in his gaze, yet it didn't deter her.

Now the final limerick. There it is. The queen almost breathed the words aloud. Now it was no secret what he wanted. And her goddess knew it wasn't much of a secret what Cleopatra wanted either. Her thighs seemed to already be on board with the idea. Or rather, what was between her thighs…

With an unreadable expression on her face, Cleopatra rose to her feet. She returned his sly grin for a moment before deadpanning and speaking clearly. "Seize him."

Immediately, several of her guardsmen had Ōn’nyosh surrounded and gripped his arms to keep him from lashing out at them. Her eyes watched the spectacle before issuing a second command. "Bring him to me."

The guards obediently marched the jester forward until he was at the foot of Cleopatra's throne. The queen paused for a moment, narrowing her eyes and studying him briefly. "Release him." Surprised, the guardsmen did as she said. Then Cleopatra spoke again, waving her hand to summon him closer. "Come here, jester. All the way. Don't be shy."

(He only gets worse, trust me, lmao! Big grin)
(Also, a little, weird fun fact, ‘Ass-Sniffer’ is actually a name from the Ssuthorin culture [Ōn’nyosh’s birth culture]. It can actually be either an insult or a compliment, or even both simultaneously, depending on the context. Hence, his comment on it)

---

Ōn’nyosh noticed her look as he insulted her subjects. It was good to know that she didn’t seem to like them that much, particularly not enough to stop him. And, their faces were absolutely priceless!

It pleased Ōn’nyosh to see her chin lift. That meant that he’d caught her attention, which was exactly what he wanted.

Ōn’nyosh didn’t care as all eyes turned to the Queen. His focus was just on her, not the audience. Just her. He even appreciated the lovely bit where she didn’t react.

As he finished the third limerick, Ōn’nyosh could tell, just by her eyes, that Cleopatra had been waiting for it. He was even pretty sure that she felt the same as he did.

Though, a small doubt appeared when she called for him to be taken, not that he was really surprised. He’d already known that she’d either go for it, or have him thrown out. But, might as well have fun, either way.

“Oh, Majesty, what part of me should they seize?”Ōn’nyosh asked jokingly, laughing.

He casually held up his arms, not resisting at all as the guards grabbed him. It wasn’t the first time he’d been thrown out of a place. Nor was it the first time he’d been restrained, in any way.

His eyebrow rose at her next command and he couldn’t help a laugh. Still, he didn’t resist as he was led forward.

“You could’ve just asked, instead of having me practically carried. You do know that? Or, did you just want to see me look like a rag doll?”he asked with a snicker.

Ōn’nyosh was expecting her command for him to be released, and he lowered his arms afterward in the same casual way that he’d raised them. When she spoke again, that mischievous grin returned.

“I think it’s rather clear that I am not shy,”he commented as he moved to stand directly in front of her, practically nose to nose.

(OMG 😂😂😂)

Cleopatra smirked at his remarks as he was being brought before her. It was an amusing sight, especially since he was so willing and easy about the whole process. It clearly wasn’t his first time.

“If I have the power to have my guards seize you, bring you to me, release you, and then step away, all at my simple commands, why shouldn’t I use it?” she said, looking him steadily in the eye. “This world is a balance of appearance and power, and ego is ego, my friend.”

She didn’t flinch as he approached her, though she did find herself surprised that he’d come as close as he did. Their noses were almost touching, and she could feel his exhales fall tantalizingly near her lips. If they weren’t in front of her entire army…

“Yes, I think you’ve made that clear,” she purred silkily. “I’m sure I understood your meaning, but just so that I know I’m right about this…” Her eyes blazed with veiled intensity. “What exactly is it that you want from me, Ōn’nyosh? This was never just about your performance.”

(Yeah, lol)

---

“I see your point, but sometimes a simple request makes things much quicker. And, in regards to your philosophy, I disagree. Appearance and power do have their uses, but the balance is whether or not someone is smart enough to use the two properly, or if they’re just a dumbass,”Ōn’nyosh replied.

Though Cleopatra didn’t flinch, Ōn’nyosh was observant enough to pick up on her surprise. She wasn’t used to folks coming so close to her of their own accord. She also was hiding her temptation to kiss him. That was something he knew quite well.

Ōn’nyosh grinned at her words. He loved it when he was asked to be blunt.

“Conquer me. And, if you succeed, I might just tell you of a proposition I have in mind. One that you may find very useful to achieving your obvious goal of taking over the land,”Ōn’nyosh said, his voice intense but quiet enough that only Cleopatra could hear him. His eyes bored into hers, almost daring her to kiss him.