I stretched out my arms, a huge yawn escaping me that I didn't bother suppressing.

Sleepy tears formed in the corner of my eyes as I willed myself to sit up, the sheets feeling oddly soft under my palms.

My sheets were never this rich and soft... My half-awake mind mumbled as I did the little stretching exercise of my arms, my eyes still half-lidded. A common thing I did to get rid of the morning fatigue.

Along with the morning breeze flowing in, there was something sweet, tangy flavour in the air.

Oh yes, today is Gamos aka Helaine and Jakov's wedding day. Must be the food and drinks preparation.

At that thought, I forced my eyes open. A lot of work was to be done on my part, and what was I still doing in my room, sleeping?

I looked ahead to find the room wasn't familiar to mine.

Thud thud.

I wiped a hand over my face. Was I drunk yesterday?

Why the hell am I not in my room?!

The moment I jerked my head aside to gauge the unfamiliar space, my eyes met his enigmatic light brown ones, and a shrill scream escaped me before I clamped a hand over it.

Oh, my... did I- did I just...

Sleep the entire night with the... King of Romanos...

And then my brain rewound everything, and soon I was bursting into flames of embarrassment.

Holy shit, Althea. Just what you had drunk yesterday to get such guts.

It was better in the dark when I could just blend in with everything, but now with the blinding morning rays, making every portion of me visible...

"I- I'm so sorry," I fumbled without a thought. He was leaning against the headboard, legs crossed over the other on the bed, and God knows how long he'd been awake, watching my sleeping, stretching self, oh my God!

"For?" His mouth was working as he chewed on a berry placed next to him on a small table. The voice that rumbled a thunderbolt of a heartbeat into me.

"Uh, I-" I was sorry for sleeping in a King's bed? "I um- you know..." Gosh, wasn't he the one who'd asked me to sleep here, and I didn't want to deny?! "I uh-"

He looked at me as if I was out of my senses. Which I was, "Good morning, Althea," he gave a small smile, and I didn't know how he could look this friendly when his dishevelled morning hair, his keen eyes, every ounce of him screamed temptation. Morning temptation.

I resisted the urge to slap myself. The scientists must've added some nasty chemical in that pill that always had me thinking about him in the sleaziest of ways!

"G- Good morning, my Lord," I mumbled in response as I saw his back turned aside while he poured something out of a jar into a little cup.

But when he faced me, his eyes were narrowed, like a hint of warning as he swirled the liquid, silently waiting.

"Good morning, Julian!" I corrected myself, giving an uneasy smile, causing his smile to return.

"Calm yourself," he snickered, extending the cup to me.

It was herb water, which everyone drank after they woke up. A sort of drinkable mouthwash which was both good for health and an energiser to wake from the sleepy state. So healthier than coffee.

Only this one had edible flowers too, which was probably reserved for the king. The mere fact that he was offering me his supposed royal drink had a blush rising in my cheeks.

I thanked him and started sipping, keeping my eyes buried in the drink. Its lemony, sweetly tangy taste opening up my sleepy senses.

"Slept well?" I heard him ask as he continued to pop in the berries, a message scroll open in his hands which he was checking out.

"Yes," I replied. It was more than well.

Soon countless questions were forming in my head, Was I snoring? Drooling? Mumbling something related to the twenty-first century? But I could only ask one thing, "What about you?"

"It was nice," he hummed, "holding someone to sleep rather than my pillow."

At that, I was about to sputter into the drink. Both because he was considering me a pillow, and he held a pillow to sleep?

So cute. "It feels nice to hold a pillow to sleep," I giggled, finishing the drink.

"But it's better when the pillow is living and breathing," he looked up to pass me a secret grin, and then he leant in, halting my breath, only to take the cup and back away.

I would never get used to his nearness. Every time feels like a different thrill.

"Althea," he placed the cup on the table, "Was there something I... did yesterday, that made you... uncomfortable?" He looked into my eyes, his voice grave.

My heart skipped a beat. He was so considerate that I wanted to tear up. Why was he like this? As far as I knew, it was least of the concerns of an ancient king at how a woman felt.

"If I went kind of... too much on you?" He bit on his bottom lip, waiting for my reply.

There was nothing. In fact, I liked every second of it.

"Yes," I replied instead, and it was hilarious how the colour almost drained from his face.

"You bit too hard," I gave a fake frown, twisting my head aside. After that bite, I stopped fantasising about vampires sinking their fangs into me. A twisted fantasy I had ever since I knew what a vampire was.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him nodding in understanding, "Well then, you can bite me too. As a payback, if you want?" He never failed to have me blushing like crazy. But I wasn't going to back down.

I faced him, and amusement hung clearly over his devilish features, "I wish I could," I pouted, "but your skin doesn't possess... the qualities of human skin," I leant in to poke at his rigid bicep, "unpressable," I tched.

But that served as a perfect opportunity for him to hold my wrist before he tugged me close that I almost came over this lap.

At this moment, I knew my fear of him was gone forever as he enclosed an arm around my waist, eyes transfixed at me.

He used his thumb to align my jaw gently, to skim over the mark from yesterday. When I rested my head against his chest from the amount of comfort I was feeling, from his arms around me, from his warmth, he inhaled sharply from the nape of my neck. His hand holding the back of my neck made me shiver in delight.

"You've got morning essence, Mila..." he breathed out, nuzzling lightly.

"W- What um-" I pushed back to stare at his face, my cheeks turning hot.

He snickered. "It's a strange warm scent," he pulled me back against him, taking in a long breath. "It's very... satisfying. Never experienced it before." His words rumbled against my neck, sending a shiver down my back.

I was too shy to ask him further.

Soon, he backed away to pluck another berry out of the bowl of fruits kept beside him. Lazily, he toyed with it in his hand.

"You've eaten this?" He whispered.

I stared at the vermillion coloured berry and tried hard to suppress my shock at what it was.

It was an extinct species of wild berry in my century that was said to be strictly reserved for the upper class and the royalty of ancient times.

He dipped his head to my level, "Mila?" he broke me out of my daze.

"It- I... isn't it reserved for the royal- mm-" he pushed it between my lips.

"Bite."

I felt tingles run up my arms at his roughened voice. Peeping into his eyes, I started to take the berry in when he pressed my cheeks between his fingers so it was back between my lips.

"What did I say, Mila?" His hand, now resting by my neck, stroked the bruised mark, gaze unmoving, "Bite."

I shuddered. He was so unpredictable.

Nodding subtly, I bit into the berry but it was so juicy that its deep red sap burst out at my bite, not only staining the corner of my lips but even his chest, from the marginally open night robe.

I looked in horror.

He glanced down at the red drops over his chest, then ever so slowly at my face as his lips curved up. I didn't know why he appeared satisfied with the outcome.

My mind was haywire in panic. Quickly, I swallowed the fruit to apologise, but he beat me to it.

"You don't know how to eat a berry, hm?" His voice was filled with taunting criticism. My breathing became erratic with anticipation when he pulled me even closer until I was pressed against his chest.

"Should I teach you how to eat..." his voice faded away in a whisper as he leant in to swirl the tip of his tongue by the corner of my lips, licking away the juice.

I grew burning hot.

As if it wasn't enough, soon his tongue slipped between my lips, curling in skilfully, kissing me till I felt the soul leave my body.

He kissed differently, uniquely, every single time that I wasn't able to keep up with each one of them, how much I wanted.

I tried whatever I could to match his pace, gripping onto him with all my strength. So much that the only word which could describe my situation was...

Desperation.

It was the first time this feeling was evoking within me, unabashedly. All this time, I'd dismissed the fact of how desperate I was for this kind of feeling, this touch that I didn't want to stop.

When we came to a halt, I passed out over his chest, my eyes closed off, my entire body reverberating in the aftereffects of the kiss.

"It... hurts, Mila," he groaned, sounding more like stifling a laugh.

I opened my eyes to find my nails practically digging into his shoulders. Gasping, I removed my hands, but then I gasped louder when I found him sprawled under me.

In my attempt of returning the vigour of his kiss, I didn't know I'd pulled him down, as now only his head rested against the headboard, a proud grin on his face.

I let out another scream of terror when I found my legs on either side, straddling him. I hurled myself off of him and to the other side of the bed, embarrassed for a lifetime.

Oh, my God. That position didn't definitely look acceptable.

With a King at that!

"Tackling champion in the bed alike, I see," My cheeks flamed at his remark. He shifted to face me, his face resting on an upright elbow.

My eyes zoned in on his agape chest from where the night robe was ripped subtly. Was that my doing?

Before I could drown in a pool of embarrassment, I spotted the Sun to be fairly visible through the window, indicating it was way past early morning.

"It's the day of the Gamos, my- um- Julian," I bit my lip, ignoring his previous statement for my sanity, "I... have to be there for the bride's... ritual of the nuptial bath." It was a kind of special bath given to the bride by several women which symbolised purification and fertility.

"Bath, you said?" he asked, lifting himself by the elbow. I sucked in a breath at his amused glance.

I nodded, "C- Can I leave?" This was one goddamn rule to take the king's permission even for leaving his room. I didn't know what to do if he didn't allow me. But I guess that wouldn't be the case here-

"No."

My heart started beating in my throat.

Wow, Althea, minutes ago you were too adamant to return his kiss and now breaking into a cold sweat at what he has in store for you. Uh-huh...

My inner voice was such a douchebag.

"You'll have to do something with me first..." he peeked out his tongue ever so slightly to lick his upper lip, gaze drifting leisurely to the door of his bath, then back to me.

There were two voices inside me now, thudding maniacally.

Oh fudge no.

Yes yes yes yes yes!

He didn't complete his statement, just stared, long and hard at my face that sure as hell looked like a tomato now.

"Have..." he trailed again, and it was horrible how the two inner voices had started a bloody fight inside of me.

"...breakfast with me."

It took a few seconds to swallow his statement, before I visibly loosened up, catching my breath. Because the marathon of my heart had finished.

If only there was a bleach to clean my brain a little.

"We can also do what's going in your head, Mila..." his sultry voice was like commanding my heart 3, 2, 1 Go! for another mile of sprinting.

"Of course," I gave him a sweet smile, "I'd love to have those berries, which you only gave me one."

Helaine was giggling every now and then as she was made to sit on the marble platform of the grand bath while we poured water, milk, honey and whatnot over her.

She was clad in lilac linen as two women gently scrubbed her arms and feet. Everyone chatted about how the life of a woman dramatically changes after marriage.

"It's a pity that all my husband cares about is his mistress. I didn't know I'd talk so less with him after my marriage..." A woman who looked in her twenties frowned as another woman patted her shoulder in understanding.

"I know. I haven't talked to my husband for like a year now. He doesn't leave his quarters to visit me anymore."

I listened gloomily at their talk. Married life in ancient times wasn't a fun experience.

Wives lived secluded from the world in the women's quarters. They did not eat with their husbands or sleep together. It was shocking that the couple rarely had any conversations.

But the most deranged aspect was that women weren't allowed to even converse with a stranger while the husband could have any amount of mistresses after being married.

"Ssh, you are scaring her for no reason," One of the women laughed, "Jakov looks so in love with her. And even if he gets a mistress, I'm sure lioness Lola would eat them alive!"

Everyone laughed, seeming like they were having a good time after a long while.

"Damn Cors, I'm so marrying the ancient Greek way back home," Cheryl sighed as we mixed special scented flowers in the water.

"Yeah..." But I was busy plucking off the petals absentmindedly, my mind replaying the way we had breakfast.

We had eaten at a low-lying table and taking advantage, he'd sat closest to me. Being the king he was, he'd ordered shamelessly for me to feed him. Which involved him occasionally licking my fingers.

Not only that, but he took the extra initiative to feed me in return. A giggle broke out of me when I'd deliberately bitten his finger in the process, only to smile sweetly that it was payback for the mark on my neck.

"Cors, you okay?" Cheryl sprinkled water on me.

"Yeah, you are right!" I smiled, breaking out of thoughts, "I think it's time to pour the holy water over her from the loutrophoros." It was a special container that had Holy water from one of the parts of the Nile.

But who was I fooling? Cheryl interrogated me for at least half an hour about why I was so lost and the reasons for me being this late.

After the bath ritual, I dressed in a soft red coloured chiton fabric that had a golden lining. The wreath of ivy meshed in a golden string over my head gave a perfect look to my opened honey-coloured hair.

Thalia had even brought me a hair curler of this century that added to the additional grace.

As the afternoon came by, Cheryl, I and the concubines helped fix each other's outfits for the next ritual, which was to take place in Aphrodite's temple. The bride and groom had to make offerings there to ensure a fruitful life, so the Gods could bless the two newlyweds.

Cheryl dressed in a brilliant yellow outfit, necklace and anklets made of red flowers looked stunning, as always. On the way to the temple, with the crowd of all the attending guests, we walked along with them. It was already planned that we'd be meeting up with Lorenzo, Aarmen and Dunkin soon.

"Seriously Cors, I think it's fifty degrees," Cheryl panted, dabbing a piece of linen over the sheen of sweat constantly forming over her neck and forehead.

"C'mon, bun up your hair already. It's all sticking at your neck by now," she rolled her eyes after I declined again.

She'd roast me to bones if she sees that mark on my neck.

The royal family, along with the newlywed couple, walked in the front. I was utterly surprised when Julian had asked me I could be in the front row too, but I'd politely told that my sister wanted to be with me.

There wasn't a doubt he would've made me sit close to him, and given the number of noblewomen and princesses fawning over him, it would've raised massive suspicions.

The air cooled down, much to our relief when we entered the temple quarters. Given the trees lined on either side of the path, the winds were cool even under the scorching Egyptian sun.

Aphrodite's temple was decorated with red and white flowers as everyone entered bare feet inside. Raising on my tippy toes, I could see Julian's back, which was covered in a heavily embroidered Persian fabric.

Although he didn't look pleased when I'd seen him back in the palace, frowning over at the heavy flowing fabric. It was Alexander who was hyping over the Persian culture ever since it came under his control.

Even Jakov and Helaine had to wear all Persian in their Greek wedding cause that's what the Pharaoh of Egypt wanted.

It became much cooler inside the temple. The grand statue of Aphrodite sat at the far end, and I quickly made her a prayer.

I was so believing in her, after everything she'd put me through.

The interior was engulfed in a sweet smell of burning incense. Flowers were sprawled over the temple floor as everyone moved ahead. Soon the area was packed, with the royal family sitting closest to the goddess' statue.

Guards were patrolling the area and one of them walked to us, "Priest Remun Ra would like to give a tour of his room, gracious ladies," he bowed. I sputtered into a laugh when Lorenzo winked at us.

Making sure Julian's eyes were nowhere on me, I informed Ashtor, who had the duty of being around me, that I and my sister needed to help a priest in some arrangements. Apparently, he knew Lorenzo and let me go without trouble.

We climbed down a couple of stairs situated at one corner of this grand room, which gave way to a honeycomb-like structure of rooms situated underground of the temple.

Wow, I thought. Dunkin lived in one hell of a place.

Entering one of the rooms, coolness overtook me as it was built underground. The first thing I noticed was the low ceiling. So low that if a person of Lorenzo's height would jump, he'd bang his head.

The only source of sunlight was a lone but big window beside which sat Aarmen and Dunkin binging on a basket full of snacks.

Realising our arrival, the priest's gaze snapped at us and then he began eating faster despite having his mouth full.

"I hae yo so mah Loreo an Corsh," he warbled.

I furrowed my brows, but they raised in realisation. Immediately connecting myself to them, which I'd disconnected the night before, I found tens of messages he'd left me.

Cors you promised you'd help me rehearse what to say to that big guy.

Man I hate Loren so much, he fuckin dragged me in all this!

Cors? You there? Now don't give me reasons to hate you too.

Cors! Your friend's gonna die tomorrow morning. Have mercy!

Cors

Cors

Cors?!!!

Alright, I hate you too.

I chuckled. There wasn't a reason to worry because I knew Julian hadn't talked to anyone since he was late in the morning too. My breakfast with him apparently saved Dunkin.

I dunked in the snack basket despite his attempts at snatching it away.