The Heart of Alexander

Chapter Nine- His New Mistress

Hey guys, just letting you know, I am beginning to create shorter chapters in order to get more updates faster and the book will be longer. Oh and above is the pendent Roxana is wearing. Tell me how it is! :) By the way, wish me luck, I am going to a competition for regional for designing.

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 328 BC, Macedonian Campsite

Days collided together as I was slowly losing track of time. Alexander and part of his troops would leave for hours and return back from their pillaging and conquering of nearby villages. My heart went out to those raped, killed, and robbed. I myself was wondering about Cassandra, and wondering if she too was alive. Oh, how my heart ached and longed to be back in Bactria.

I made the time pass through learning from the harlots. Everyday before the sun would set on the horizon, we would gather in the tent and I found out where they had been and where we were all destined to go once His Majesty was finished his pillaging in the area. We were set for  to go as far east as the land would take us, King Alexander determined to conquer every river, every mountain, and every terrain possible. I became fond of an Egyptian girl named Ebony. She made me think of Cassandra in every way, small and fragile. She was only ten when she was sold to the Macedonian Army to provide her family with money.

The girls would come and go, being summoned frequently by lusting soldiers. Ebony always had a regular at the same time every day, a scrawny man. By the look on both of their faces, they were quite fond of each other. A small smile would appear on her face when he came to whisk her away.

I was rarely summoned to the King anymore. Campaspe had once again become his regular and sometimes, he would summon another whore or two. Theti said I should feel blessed for not being called upon, but I didn't feel that way. He could be losing his interest, and that in itself is dangerous. No interest, no use. No use, no reason to be alive. I was now playing a dangerous game.

I sat within the safety of the tent, fanning myself. Ebony was behind me, bejeweling my hair with precious gems. Ebony finished her divine work upon my head and stood back, admiring her masterpiece. We laid back and nibbled on the edges of stale bread. We watched as the flirtatious men wandered out of the tent, and in came Campaspe, beautiful and proud as she swayed into the tent. She was adorn in lavish colors and jewels unlike the rest of the girls. I looked to Ebony with curiosity laced in my thoughts.

"Why is she considered better than the rest?" I questioned.

"She was Alexander's first lover. She was offered as a gift by his best friend before he went on his raids to keep him company. Even though the King has had his fair share of lovers, Campaspe has always been his most favorite and most faithful," Ebony explained.

"Have you been in the King's bed?"

"Once, when I first arrived. He is quite the lover, but discards his women immediately like he did with me. But we all know Campaspe is aging. He has been trying to impregnate her for some time, but she has lost every child in her womb. If she doesn't birth a child soon, he will discard her for another,"

"Poor Campaspe," I sighed. She didn't deserve such sorrow. Maybe a curse may be among her womb for loving such a cruel man.

Suddenly, Ebony was intensely studying me. A smile was upon her face then and she hastily grabbed my hands. I sent her a confused look.

"You can be his new mistress! You are perfect, a challenge for the King. You're beautiful, a mystery, and it won't be easy to have the Bactrian Princess as a conquest!" Ebony beamed.