Loving Artemisia (lesbian story)

Chapter 10 - The Empress

Golden eagle. The proud sigil of our clan stood high in the Thermopylae signaling a victory that the Persian army has not defeated. The headless corpse of Leonidas, the king of Spartans lay besides his 300 warriors, finest of all Spartans. He was a fool to believe it was enough to defeat the force of an empire but he was a brave man to think it was possible. However, too much bravery may lead to an idiocy and he will be remembered as a true illustration of its meaning.
With the fall of Leonidas, the Athens began to unite their power, in hopes to defend the freedom of Greece. Even they assembles to unite their power together, Xerxes was unperturbed, confident that his divine power assures him certain victory.
It is undoubtly true that we have an invading force that outnumbers the Greeks but too much confidence may lead to an idiocy as well. I'm aware that it troubled many of the commanders but none had the heart to oppose the 'God-King'. After spending days beside my soldiers while disguising myself, I concluded that Xerxes is not a worshipped 'God-King' he claims himself, he is merely a feared monarch who makes his subjects doubt their leader's decision. The only advantage we have over the Athens was the number but is it enough to win over the brave men who are determined to protect their home? Blinded by his hunger for power, Xerxes failed to see his warriors losing their spirit to fight and oppose the enemy under his control.
Soon after, I affirmed that they seek a different monarchy to support, I decided it is time to de-throne my brother. Afterall, he is the one who confirmed our father's suspicion of him not becoming a right ruler. Our people and soldiers are miserable under his rule. Therefore, it is expected from me to step up at the time of crisis as a legitimate living child of the previous emperor. Even though, I do not have a claim as strong as Xerxes's to the throne, no one can dare to defy my succession when the great Darius of Persia's blood runs through my veins and the addition that I am reincarnation of the creator of Cyrus the Great.
At the break of dawn, just before the sun declares a new day, I made my mind to take over the horror of night from our kingdom. As expected, there wasn't much of an protection around his chamber besides a few number of Immortals. He truly revels in his divine status, believing that he is unassailable.

After thinking for awhile, I decided that it is best to use a needle that has a venom of Cobra, king of the snakes. Suitable death for a king.
It takes a half an hour for venom to take over the body and concludes a death.

"Brother." I called.
The moment the word left my mouth, his lifeless empty eyes opened to gaze at me.
"Do you miss our father, brother?" I asked but he just narrowed his eyes, confused by my sudden visit and questions.
" Do you remember how father doubted your ability to success him? Before long, I have never thought much of it. However, now I believe our father said those hurtful yet true words for a reason. Afterall, he was the greatest and wisest of us all. " by the time I started talking, his face lost color and eyes went wide. Signaling us both that the end is near.
"Brother, we never got along but I still loved you for being born from a same womb. Forgive me but I had to do this." I said and embraced him as he coughs blood.
"For me, for father, for our people and most of all for Persia." with that said I stayed still for a moment to wait him go numb in my arms.

As the sun rises, the reign of Xerxes ended and the new era of Persia began. Instead of their 'God-King', I came out to stood in front of the army of our empire.
Alchaemis, the loyal subject of mine stands next to me, holding a golden crown of the king.
"Listen well, warriors. On this day, right at this place our king Xerxes left us to mourn after him. However, once the sun goes down another shall rise after that. I now proclaim princess Anahita of Achaemenid clan, daughter of the great king Darius, rightful heir of the king Xerxes, reincarnation of queen Mandane as the empress of Persia, protector of our nation."
Alchaemis then placed the golden crown on my head.
"Long may she reign." He said and bowed to me. Everyone followed his gesture and hailed thrice for my honor. After the coronation in this land of Greek, my reign as a Persian monarch began.
The first decision I had to make as an empress was to decide whether to attack Athens or return back home. I may have seen as reluctant to make a decision regarding the war but I was just waiting for my emissary to complete the mission I gave to him.
Day after my coronation, every commander of my army came to unite with the main force and to pay their respect to their new empress. Its not suitable to celebrate since we are in middle of war and I did not forget what happened to my father at this very same place. I was expecting a sudden attack but the Greeks seems to know better not to do the same thing twice.
"My empress, I shall bow to your grace and surrender to your majestic force. Please forgive my people and take us under your wings, your majesty. As a gift, I your loyal subject present my daughter to you. " an old surrendering leader of a Greek province spoke and motioned to her young daughter. She was beautiful with the sun-kissed skin and feminine figure.
" I shall follow the path of the humane act of my father. Since you surrendered and presented a gift to me, I will be forgiving and merciful. Thus, no harm will be done to your people as long as you stay loyal to me."
"May the god bless you, your grace. " the old man once bowed down and left, leaving the gift he presented to me. Her eyes held no fear which surprised me a lot and her bravery to not broke her gaze when I looked at her amused me as well.
"Tell me your name, Greek girl." I demanded.
"Its Daphne, your grace." She replied.
"Like the one in the legend of Apollo and Daphne?"
"Yes, your grace. My mother admired that legend very much."
"Lover of the sun god. Interesting." I chuckled amusingly.
"Your highness, commander Artemisia requests an audience." One of the maids said and I nodded as an approval.
Then she entered, with all her grace and glory, outshining the morning ray of the sun.
Our gaze met and I seem to fail at breaking it.
"Commander."
"Empress." She said and bowed down. It must have been unexpected for her to see me on the throne instead of her self-made 'God King'. However, she knows better not to assasinate me since the person who is next-in-line to the throne is Artaxerxes who is only 4 years old. It will be hard to manipulate him and start a war since he will not have a power to declare a war until he comes of age. It is satisfactory to feel that I am her only choice but at what cost? I didn't kill my own brother to just fulfill her thirst for vengeance. Also I didn't sit on the throne to be her puppet for sure.
"Leave." She told the maidens and immortals around me.
"You have no right to order around me, Commander." I said sternly making her look at me once again.
"If you have a report to make, tell me now. Or else I'm in middle of something. " and I made myself walk over to Daphne and run my hand through her curves shamelessly. 
" If not, Artemisia. Excuse us." I said to her when her burning eyes gazed at me intently.
As much I wanted to do our intimate experience on her ship again, I had to make her realize I'm the one who has the power.
After she stayed silent for a moment, I held Daphne's hand and led her to my private chamber.

A/n: As I promised, here is the update. It took me a quite time to write so I would really appreciate some votes and especially comments! It motivates me to write more and update. Also what did you guys thought about the 18+ scene of last chapter? Should I do that kind of thing again or not? Let me know. Thanks!
-D

P.s Imagine Mila Kunis as Daphne ;)