Now just how did I end up in THIS position?

Maria looked up into the king's eyes. He was a little too close for her comfort. His smile was a bit too… well it was just "too." And he was moving closer.

“I have a tendency to get what I want." Thus sprake the King of Egypt.

I'll just bet you do. Maria smiled enigmatically. “Is that so?” Her voice sounded too "contralto." Oh gods. He will think I'm interested in him as a man.

“Quite.” The King moved closer still.

He does think I'm interested in him. As a man. Not as a king.

“And what do you want now, Majesty?” she asked.

Her voice sounded husky even to her own ears. The King moved marginally closer.

Is it possible that I am interested in him as a man? She fluttered her lashes as a delaying tactic. Ptolemy is attractive. Favonius was attractive too. But Favonius is so far away. Their one night together had been wonderful. But it was too brief. And I've not had a personal message from him in days. Weeks! She sighed, wishing Favonius were with her. She immediately regretted it when she saw Ptolemy's expression. Oh no! Bad move. The King thinks that means I want him! She moved her hand along the balustrade preparatory to making a break for it.

The King took her hand in his and pulled her toward him.

“I believe we both know what I want,” said Ptolemy as he slowly wrapped his arm about her waist and kissed her deeply.

Maria gave herself to the embrace. And to the kiss. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of the King's hands on her body.

The King was very good with his hands. Too good. I wonder how many wives and concubines he has?

She opened her eyes wide and squeaked on a sharp intake of air. The noise was an unusual one which caused Ptolemy to stop his activities and stare at her in consternation.

"Are you all right?" he asked. He sounded… concerned.

"Oh yes," she replied breathily. "Only--"

"Only what?" The King's grip on her loosened somewhat.

"Well, I can't help but worry about what Favonius Cornelius Pola will say when he finds out that we--that I--" She blushed in pretty confusion.

"Do you care so much what Cornelius Pola will say?" The King released her and moved away. "I would have thought you'd feel you were entitled to a little enjoyment of your own."

"What do you mean?" The King will think me a perfect idiot. His meaning is quite clear. She blinked her eyes innocently.

"I think you know." The King's teeth gleamed white in the faint light. "In any event, I sincerely doubt that you have anything to worry about. Your Propraetor will want you back no matter what you do with me."

"He will? I'm not so sure." She was annoyed at how uncertain she sounded.

It was the King's turn to smile enigmatically. "You have something that belongs to him, yes?" Ptolemy moved back and leaned against the balustrade. "And Favonius Cornelius Pola will see that you return it."

"Just so." Maria cocked her head and considered the King. "Do you have spies in my household?"

"I?" Ptolemy raised an eyebrow. "The King of Egypt has no need of spies."

"Ah." Maria nodded wisely. "There are those who make it their business to supply information to you without the need for you to lift a royal finger?"

The King nodded and smiled. (In a lesser man it would have been a grin.)

"As you say." He spread his fingers before her. "Suffice it for you to know you are under our surveillance. And you may rely on us to intervene, as a service to Cornelius Pola and out of our regard for you, should there be any need."

"Do you anticipate such a need?" Her voice was calm, but her heart suddenly was pounding.

"One cannot anticipate everything. But there have been times lately when foreigners, even distinguished visitors from Rome, have suffered at the hands of the mob. We will not permit that to happen to you."

Maria tried to achieve a grateful smile. "Then I am sure Favonius Cornelius Pola will be most grateful to you. As will I."

The King took her hand in his own and raised it to his lips. "You seem to be somewhat fatigued. Perhaps we can resume our conversation when you are rested."

Maria took the hint and murmured correct and polite responses. Without quite knowing how it happened, she found herself being escorted from the palace. On the whole it was a relief to be going back to her accommodations.