Twins of Egypt

Chapter 8: The First Decree

[[A/N: (DOE: 9/1/2016) This song reminds me of this conversation. Enjoy]]

[[Selene || 1 week later]]

"Juba," I glared at him with fierce eyes that resembled a cobra's, "you will allow me to see him."

"Yes," he smiled intelligently, with eyes as fierce as mine, "but I will not let you make the decision of who will be in court and who will not. We need the Emesene Prince to be in court, we do not need Alexander. We need the Emesene Princess to be one of your ladies-in-waiting not Helena. I will also not marry Helena to North African royalty, because she is neither royalty nor my direct subject, and she is a Roman patrician. If she is to marry, she must marry someone Roman. If she must be controlled it must be by the emperor. I will not bend the rules, just because you are my Queen, Selene."

Angry, I slammed my fists against his table and threw his numerous documents off his desk onto the ground. Standing straight, and looking at him with the face of a displeased Queen I spoke rather clearly, "Then you can find another chamber to reside in." Shrugging I turned around, walking out of his workroom, and the door of our expensive suite in the summer villa of Augustus in Naples.

I was clearly displeased for when I entered the leisure of Livia's looming chamber, Octavia grinned and commented aloud, "Lover's quarrel, is it not?" she smirked and sat her scroll down onto her lap.

Livia who was plump with pregnancy worked at her loom silently hearing the female gossip. However, as she was a quarter finished with her weaving, she could not bear but to comment, "I remember lover's quarrels. They're quite easily mended."

"No it is not a quarrel," I waved away the comment as I worked faster on the loom; "it's a simple disagreement. I desire Helios in the court, and Juba will not allow it."

"It is his decision," Octavia decreed, "Selene," she sighed, "you may have been used to determining things on your own, but this kingdom, is Juba's not yours and although it is a partnership, he has ultimate superiority."

"All you need to do," Livia spoke gently, "is rule through him."

"Livia is the perfect example," Octavia glanced at her sister-in-law briefly, "try to be patient, give him children, and give him everything he wants and he will-".

"Do everything he desires, anything to be a good wife, and he will reward you, Selene, I promise." Livia intensely interrupted.

The anger had faded away and I gave these matron's words some consideration. "Julia," I sought her attention, "what do you think?"

"Livia is correct," Julia spoke sleepily as she removed herself from the comforts of the couch. She sat up and laid her head conventionally on her arms, "rule through your husband, for he will be the lawmaker. You may also rule through your children, especially if you give him a son, and finally, rule through your people. A good Queen or Empress would impress their people so much, that they would fall smitten for her. It means that the King or Emperor will have an advantage over his people. Juba is clever, he will reward you, and besides, he loves you so ardently." Julia smiled and came out of her sleepiness to stretch.

"That much can be said about Juba," Octavia muttered indignantly towards Julia, "but not about you."

Julia ignored Octavia and walked towards the golden harp that sat empty near the window. Julia sat down and peacefully played a heaven's song.

"How is Marcellus Julia?" I asked wonderingly. I stood up to weave better, paying attention most to the slightest detail.

"Fine," she sang continuing her humming.