Endymion's Wake

X. Throne Room

Throne Room | Akakios

Akakios soaked in the enormity of the throne room as they entered. Designed to fit several hundred dinner guests, the seating was set for tomorrow night's banquet. They wove around the plank stools and cushioned couches towards the throne in the front of the room.

"Emilios, Xenocles, the cup bearer, and you two," ordered Vasilis, pointing to his other grandchildren. "Stay. The rest get out of my sight. Guards as well," he sneered.

Disgruntled whispers from his lesser advisors combined with the clacking of sandals filled the room as they hurried towards the doors. Finally, the cavernous room filled with only the sounds of the six breathing.

"More wine," called Vasilis as he paced in front of his ornate throne. The gold and silver metalwork easily dented and was only brought out during the Games and the rare occasion of a state visit in Olympia instead of Elis. Like the wheels of the king's chariots, the throne had scenes of Selene and Helios riding through the sky.

Akakios tried to fill the chalice, but Vasilis' constant pacing led to only half the wine making it in. Worried the king might strike him, he cowered when Vasilis wiped his damp hand on Akakios' tunic. Instead, the king smiled briefly and pointed to the edge of the room. Relieved, Akakios retreated to the side and watched the others await the king's next words.

"Do you know that beggar, Chryses?" asked the king, the softness he showed Akakios vanished.

"No, my lord. I've never seen a traveling priestess this close before," said Chrysanthos before rushing to add, "My king, I would never choose to compete against Emilios."

"Ha! I can believe that. Emilios should make every competitor from here to Thebes quake," he nodded with a grin to the prince.

"Grandfather, is there any harm in a little contest? I'll bring honor to Hera and our house will look strong and pious," reasoned Emilios. Akakios saw Chrysanthos grimace in response.

"You may be the strongest, fastest, most courageous man in the Peloponnese, but you show no shortage of dim wits," replied the king. He turned to Xenocles, but instead his gaze settled on Chrysanthos.

"What is the harm in this little contest?"

Chrysanthos glanced towards Emilios, then back to the king. "It could risk the security of the crown."

Xenocles and the king exchanged what looked to be a knowing glance as Emilios frowned.

"Continue," said the king.

Chrysanthos swallowed hard. "Emilios was fourth in line to the throne and now is first. Any weakness could embolden opposition."

"Opposition to what, exactly?" asked a confused Emilios.

"To you," said the king.

Emilios laughed and looked around at the other faces in the room. Not even Cassandra looked in his direction.

"You think people don't want me to be king? That's ridiculous. The people love me!"

"There are always some who seek chaos," Vasilis replied coldly.

"Well we have nothing to worry about. I'll win the contest."

"Chrysanthos?" asked the king with a gentleness that seemed to shock Chrysanthos.

"It's not about the contest," Chrysanthos replied slowly, thinking through his answer.

"Then why are we talking about it?" asked Emilios, agitated.

"You attend the same lessons?" muttered the king, rubbing his temple. "Private tutoring from Xenocles starts tomorrow, Emilios."

Incensed at his grandfather's mockery or by Chrysanthos' besting in front of him, perhaps both, Emilios stood silently with a clenched jaw. Akakios distrusted Emilios for moments like this. In their lessons the priest would ask him a question and he usually missed the point. Then Chrysanthos would answer it to appease the frustrated priest and Emilios would look at his cousin with silent resentment. Could the prince not let his cousin have something? He'd wonder.