@cleopathea​ liked for a muse roulette

“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale Her infinite variety. Other women cloy The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry Where most she satisfies.”

“Did you ever feel unworthy around your father?” Hamlet asked. “As if you were half the person he was?”  

               How utterly pathetic.

“Therein lies the problem,”

This was their queen? Weak, sniveling, wanton, deranged shell of a woman.That was the issue with leaders of the fairer sex, you see. They allow themselves to be ruled by such useless, base emotions. No matter - she was a complication Caesar would soon be rid of. Along with the entanglement of emotions.

Had the situation been different, Augustus might have admired her. Or, what she once was. The languages in her employ, numerous as the Eunuchs scurrying the halls. The diplomatic cunning. Her reputed charm.  The vast empire pieced together of old merchants, inbreds, harlots and thieves.

             Now, he just pitied her.

In the small cafe attached to a larger hotel establishment, The Boleyn awaits the arrival of her friend in a table by the full, floor length windows that showcase the street beyond.  The hustle and bustle of daily life makes no imprint but of a portrait in motion behind the thick glass.  No sound impeaches the quiet tinkle of fine china and crystal stemware. She finds herself all but removed from the scene even though it is one of her own concoction.  She will no longer be cruel and yet the cold remains her only means of life support. It was how she will survive this.  Survive and slip away.

Despite the lush carpeting to every square inch, she hears the approach long before she feels the familiar presence at her side.  She spares no glance and merely straightens the fountain pen that is laid atop a crisp, clean legal document.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet me on such short notice and I apologize for offering no explanation at the time of my call but I promise this will take only a moment.” A few fingers flick forward to indicate the seat opposite her.