residence, wherever that may be.
So, I opened my eyes and confirmed my suspicions when taking in such luxury. The large room was covered in dark oak panelling and some modern touches, such as arches and pilasters. But these architectural elements, that were used to give the appearance of a supporting column and to articulate an extent of wall, weren’t widely used as of yet.
They were rarely seen in England, for it was a fashion from ancient Greek and Roman architecture and had been adopted by the Italians of late. Just like the caryatids, that were beautifully sculptured female figures, and were currently holding up the large marble lintel over the fireplace. These female figures were serving as an architectural support, taking the place of a column or a pillar, supporting an entablature on their pretty heads. The Greek term karyatides literally meant ‘maidens of Karyai’, an ancient town on the Peloponnese and where this design originated from.
It was one of the grandest rooms I had ever been in, with its lush thick fabrics and expensive silks, all in the richest of sunset colours. Even the ceilings were outfitted with ornate plasterwork and illusionistic paintings, offering a contrast to the daring wood carvings that embellished the windows and doors. And in the centre of it all was me, sat in huge four poster bed, and facing the large fireplace that held a roaring fire taking the chill off this huge room.
“You’re finally awake.” I heard a voice I had never heard before, but the moment my eyes took in the beauty sat off to one side, I knew instantly who it was.
Sophia Draven, sister to the King.
“Your majesty,” I said, taking in her lovely face that reminded me of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek Goddess of sexual love and beauty. Dark ebony hair just like her brother, was coiled artfully up and framed by her heart shaped head dress studded with pearls and jewels. Natural red lips grinned at me as dark eyes gleamed with mirth. Her slight frame was covered in a deep-red velvet gown embroidered with gold leaves, and long hanging sleeves. It had a fitted bodice with a wide ankle-length skirt, worn over what was most likely a cartwheel frame. I could also see her shoes to match had a high wooden heel and showed a clear sign of money. But then everything about this scene screamed riches of the likes I had never known, and suddenly I felt like a slumbegger in the presence of royalty.
Yet she simply waved her jewel covered hand at me and said,
“Enough of all that now, for you and I are about embark on a friendship of mutual understanding.” I frowned in question before being honest in my answer.
“We are?”
“Do you want to survive?” she asked bluntly in return.
“Very much so.”
“Then, if that be the fact, I will ensure the ruling is not death.” At this, I sat up straighter and almost shouted with glee,
“You will!?” She bowed her head gracefully, and said,
“I will, but alas, I will require something in return.” At this, my shoulders slumped knowing now there was a price.
“And that is?” I asked in a tone reserved for one of disappointment.
“Mostly on your part, I can imagine it will be silence.” Okay, so now I was really confused.
“I am afraid I do not understand, my lady.”
“Yes, and I'm starting to wonder if that not be more preferable but alas the Oracle has entrusted me with this task, and it will not be one I will fail at,” she replied cryptically.
“The Oracle, Pythia?” I asked, with my tone turning to a higher pitch, instantly putting my hand in my pocket and taking hold of the stones I kept on me at all times.
“You know of her?” Sophia asked, making swallow hard before skimming over my answer with a veil of truth that couldn’t be denied.
“Forgive me, my lady, but all our kind know of the Oracle of Delphi.”
“Well, she knows of you and apparently, the importance you will play.” Her answer was shocking.
“Me!?” At this she simply nodded and I, in turn, shook my head before saying,
“Forgive me again, my lady, but are you sure you have not mistaken me for someone else, for I am far from important.” She granted me a soft grace of her eyes before she told me,
“Do not be so hasty to pollute your person, for as you know the Fates are never wrong and if what the Oracle says is true, then you will