#queen alkmini

The agreement was made, and the wedding became expensive, just as Queen Alkmini had predicted. There were many prominent guests, and even the big throne room filled up.

The bride and groom didn't seem overjoyed, but perhaps they were affected by the seriousness of the moment.

The King of Koiláda Chalkoú was invited but did not come to the wedding. He was probably still a bit crossed, even though he had received a handsome compensation, in form of horses, cattle, gems and precious metals. However, he did send his sister to represent him at the wedding, the incredibly beautiful Princess Amphiera.

Other honorable guests were of course Prince Heraklis and his family. It was the first time little Myrrhini was attending publicly, but she seemed more interested in the birds outside than in the wedding ceremony.

The bride's family were also there, even if it was quite a long journey for them, and for that reason little prince Philokratis was left at home. Queen Laonome was not feeling well, it was possible that she was expecting again, so they took a more discreet position in the throne room, to be able to slip out to the private chambers if necessary.

The distinguished ladies of Manthos were all there, of course, and Kyria Figaleía wouldn't miss it for the world.

It truly was a grand celebration, and everybody agreed that it had been a fabulous ceremony.

Except maybe for the bride and groom.

.

Queen Alkmini Amphitryona - Deceased

GENDER - Female

AGE - Elder

Queen of Manthos

ASPIRATION - Successful Lineage

TRAITS:   Proper, Snob, Materialistic  

SIGN: Virgo

PARENTS - Unknown

PARTNER - King Radhamanthos I

CHILDREN - Ifiklis, Laonome, Heraklis

Download: King Radhamanthos and the Royal family

Story: Once Upon A Time - The first ones

Family tree: The first ones

ELDER: She works hard to secure the future for her children and grandchildren. That’s the kind of work that never ends. The death of Ifiklis was a terrible chock, and her beautiful black hair turned black almost over night. She tries to support her remaining son and daughter, but realizes that she is more often than before opposed and misunderstand. A clear sign that her undisputed power is no longer so undisputed.

ADULT: Never have Manthos seen such beauty. She has impeccable taste and truly understands the power of beauty. She rules the court with austere firmness and is known to be unbendable when she has made up her mind. She does however listen to reason, especially if the reason affect herself. It would certainly help if any request is accompanied by a small token of respect.

Back at Manthos Palace spring was finally on it's way after hard and long winter.

The royal family had gathered in the small throne room to receive visitors from far and wide, and to enjoy some musical entertainment.

- If you allow me, Prince Heraklis said to his nephew, I really think you should think twice about this marriage. You know it's against mother's wishes, it will cost us a fortune to pay off the King Turunusemis, that greedy bastard, and last, but not least: Princess Euthalia is not known for her modesty. She is high maintenance and very stubborn, just like her mother. I don't think you will find her very attractive.

- Uncle, you know these arrangements are not made for romantic reasons. It's purely practical. It doesn't matter how I feel about her as a person.

- It's not her personal suitability that makes me worried, the Queen cut in, but how this situation has impact on the political situation. It definitely is not ideal that King Turunusemis is annoyed with us. This should have been handled in a more thoughtful way. I am very disappointed you didn't take my advise Mijarare.

- I'm sorry grandmother, but..

- Sorry is superfluous, but you have to do better if you are to avoid these situations.

- Yes, grandma Alkmini, the King sighed.

- And how do you plan to pay for it all? We are already behind because of the new temple you are building. Then it's the pay-off, and the wedding itself must have a certain standard. It will be expensive.

- The trade agreements with Oasis Springs are a success, and very profitable in terms of customs duties and taxes.

- Mijarare, with all respect, that's just peanuts. We will have to cut back on expenses for a while. And probably sell some land.

- A lovely performance dear! Queen Alkmini said to the girl who had just performed the lovely tune "Dolphins stole my heart".

- Yes, yes, very interesting, King Mijararos murmured.

- You are just praying for this concert to end, aren't you? Prince Heraklis whispered. I bet you just can't wait to get back to training with your soldier-mates, am I right?

- Spot on, uncle, the King whispered back. Honestly, these song and dance performances are so boring! I really can't understand why my father loved them so much.

- Haha, no I bet you can't! In some ways you are very different from your father, that's for sure. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing. Many people think he was all perfect since he was our king, but he had some really strange obsessions and very special interests, I can tell you that!

.

It was also time for goodbyes at the palace.

- Ah, Ifikli my dear. Are you ready to go?

- Yes, mother. You will have to govern things here at home, as you have done before. Heraklis will join me at the front. If something important happens, I'm just a three days ride away.

- Yes of course, dear.

- It's really unfortunate that my brother and I will be at the front at the same time, but the resistance from our enemy is very hard. And Heraklis is an excellent military leader.

- I understand son. We will manage here, don't worry.

- Okay then, I greet you mother. Good luck.

- Episis son, take care.

- Mother, you wanted to see me in private? I am on my way, but ...

- Yes Herakli, it's about the delicate situation you told me about.

- Do we really have to talk about that now? I'm sure it can wait?

- Unfortunately not. Please sit. According to my sources the person in question will be at the front.

- I believe he will, yes.

- It would be very convenient if he did not return from there.

- What?! Are you asking me to kill him?! I can't do that!!

- Well, so many lives get lost these days. Son, I don't expect you to do it yourself. But we both know that some dispositions are more... well, exposed than others.

- That might be so, but to deliberately subject someone to it, that would be cruel. There must be another way.

- You know I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't believe it was absolutely necessary. If you made the connection, it's just a matter of time until someone else might see it as well. And then...

- But mother...

- Even if he doesn't claim a position himself, he might be used. We are surrounded by enemies, as you are well aware of. This would be the safest solution. It's the only solution.

- And if Ifiklis finds out? After all, it is his blood. He might not like it.

- Well, let's hope he wont find out. It would just complicate things. But this would still be the best solution. For the family. For the future.

- It's still grim, mother.

- I trust you to do the right thing, my son.

.

Unfortunately Eira would later have to eat those words, and she did deeply regret challenging the Gods like that.

- Dear Astanna, she pleaded, Mother of all, please forgive me for my shortcomings and lack of respect. And please help my sister's family and spare them from the misfortune they are about to face.

It was Itaja, with his connections in the political and legal system of Manthos, who had to bring the news to Noor, when she came to visit her oldest children.

- Noor, I have to tell you that Telamon was taken into custody last night. They had caught him stealing at the Agora.

- What? That can't be!

- Unfortunately it is true Noor. They say he will be beheaded for theft next week. I'm so sorry!

- But uncle, there must be something we can do! Noor felt her blood freezing to ice.

- I don't think there is, honey. The merchant wants to set an example. I don't think he can be convinced otherwise. Unless of course if it was directly on the King's order.

Noor swallowed.

- I don't know if I can beseech King Ifiklis to help me, uncle. Not that I think he would even consider listening to my appeal.

- The King is very capricious and unpredictable, yes. But if you wish to go to the palace, I will help you. He will have to listen to us, but his decition might not be in our favor. It's up to you, dear.

- Thank you uncle. I will think about it and let you know.

There were few people in the world that knew how much it would cost Noor to even go to the palace, not to mention the ephialtes it would be for her to speak to King Ifiklis, for any reason at all. Nevertheless, she decided to do just that.

There simply was no way around it, if she was to save Telamon's life. To say that it costed her a lot would be an understatement. It was a relief when she could kneel in front of the throne, because she felt that she would faint if she had to stand up straight.

- So what brings you here Kyrie?, the King addressed Itaja.

- I'm here with my niece to plead for her husband Telamon's life, Itaja said, He has admitted to theft, and the merchant wants him beheaded.

- And why should I rule differently?

- He deeply regrets his wrongdoings, Sir, and promises to pay for any losses the merchant had. Also Sir, he and my niece have five children who depend on his support.

- Hmm. And you can guarantee that he will be righteous for the future? This is a serious crime after all.

- I will guarantee it, Noor said.

- And how are you going to make sure he will keep such a promise, Kyria mou?

- Because if he isn't, I will kill him myself, Noor whispered.

- Haha! The King found that amusing. Nevertheless, I can't really see any reason why I should spare his life.

- Please Sir! Have mercy on his children, if not for him or myself, Noor cried.

- Do I know you from somewhere, Kyria? What is your name?

.

As said, so done. Heraklis went straight to talk to his mother about his suspicions.

- I can't be sure of course, but I remember there were rumors. And there is a resemblance there. So what should we do mother?

- Thank you for bringing this to my attention son, but in this moment I believe we should do nothing.

- Nothing? Are you sure mother?

- The information is not sufficient. We will need to investigate - in a discreet manner of course - and then see what must be done.

- Really?

- Remember, we have not been able to stay in power this long by making rash decisions. Leave this to me. And I trust you not to vent your suspicions to anyone else. This must remain unknown to the public, it is extremely important.

- Of course mother, as you wish.

- This is an awkward situation, the queen thought to herself afterwards. Really troublesome, indeed. I fear that an uttermost decision might be necessary.

Meanwhile, the people of Manthos were preoccupied with the war and the news of the ravages of the Attica gangs. Some thought it best to cooperate with the invaders, others wanted to fight to the last man to protect Manthos' independence.

Opinions were strong, and fronts were steep, and it divided the usually harmonious community.

The king gave order for enrollment of young men, a sure sign that all was not as it should be. Some of them were quite young, some were equipped, some were motivated, but most of them were not. They were given basic military training, and then sent to the front. Many did not come back. It was difficult times.

.

- Mother, it might not be such a bad idea, Prince Heraklis whispered.

- You can’t mean that, Herakli! I want to slow down your brother’s libido, not kill him!

- I know mother, but this way he can get some real experience, it will do him good, and he don’t have to fight in the battles directly, he can just lead from a distance. And he will come back as a hero.

- Is it something you believe your brother would consider doing voluntarily? The Queen asked, after some thought.

- Yes, I believe so. Ifiklis is well aware that he is not very popular amongst the public, and the limitations that poses to the way he can rule. A chance to be perceived like a hero, I think he would grab it with both hands.

- Then you talk with him Herakli. Preferably in a way that makes him believe it is his own idea. If he leaves, it will buy us some time. If he stays, we will implement the law at the next esembly.

Prince Heraklis didn’t waste any time, and brought up the issue as soon as King Ifiklis was back from his visit to the soldier camp. He had brought Captain Tryptis with him to underline the military facts.

- ... and the army will need some real leadership, he emphasized while counting the swords in the armory, and it would be a true heroic action for Manthos and our future!

- I was thinking to volunteer myself, Heraklis said, I mean, the thought of returning like a true war hero is very alluring. But then I thought I would have to ask you first, just in case you wanted to take charge yourself. I mean, you are the King after all and I wouldn’t stand in your way.

- Hmm. Good thinking. I actually think that I, as the King, should do that. I also have more experience than you, so it is evident really. It will be hard convincing mother and Memilia but...

- I will help you with mother, if you convince your wife.

- Thank you for your support, brother!

A few days later the big buzz at the Agora was that the King himself would go to lead the troops in new battles.

- That was a solution I didn’t see coming, Simadhne said. Can you imagine! Sending your own son to a war...!

- Maybe she felt that she didn’t have a choice? Kyria Figaleía asked rhetorically. It would seem easier just to implement a law, but I don’t know. I can’t figure out how these people think, to be honest.

- What worries me, Sapfo said, is that this doesn’t solve anything for the future. One day he will be back.

- I for my part hope he never comes back. I’m sorry, but that’s honestly how I feel. Noor said with intensity. And now excuse me kyries, I’m going to have a chat with sister, whom I never see anymore.

- Noor, my dear! It’s so good to see you!

- Finally! It’s been too long! I hope you have time for a long chat, because I have so much to tell you!

- Actually I don’t. I’m so sorry! Teterius needs this text by tomorrow you see, and my mother in law is not well, and I just have too much to do! We will catch up later I promise!

.

A few weeks after the women’s protest Queen Alkmini found the oportunity to assemble the nobel men to a meeting. King Ifiklis was doing an inspection at the soldier’s camp, and would spend the night there.

In deepest secrecy the legal experts, loyal to the Queen, had worked out a new law, now presented to the nobel men.

It said “Young women, at an age ready for marriage, but yet not married, shall, when they are staying in a place not being their own home, and in the hours between sunset and sunrise, always and at all circumstances, be accompanied by an older, male relative or a person appointed by the family for this purpose, if such male relative does not exist.”

After the reading there was a fierce debate.

- This is much too limiting for young women! One of the nobel men pointed out. They will loose their freedom of movement entirely!

- Well no young women should be outside their home after sunset anyway, another said.

The Queen listened to the debate for a while, and then spoke.

- Gentlemen! We all know the background for this purposed law and what problem it is meant to solve. If any of you don’t possess this knowledge, I would be happy to inform you, in private. I realize that this law has it’s shortcomings, but under the circumstances... I don’t want any unpleasant upheavals, and the woman were quite clear - the common men of Manthos are on their side in this matter.

- Maybe if you gave him a warning? Kyrios Rhesus suggested.

- I’m afraid that would be a waste of time, Kyrie Rhesu, the Queen sighed. He’ve had many warnings already. Other suggestions?

- Maybe it would help if he was not at the palace or Manthos for a while? Kyrios Ignacio said cautiously. Until the unrest has calmed down, I mean? And that way we could solve another pressing problem for Manthos at the same time?

- What are you saying? The Queen replied, Please don’t speak in riddles!

- I’m thinking about the situation at the front, Ma’am. There is a desperate need of leadership, I would say.

- What?! The Queen gasped. Are you suggesting I send my son to the battlefield Kyrie Ignacio?

.