A Royal Charade
A Royal Charade
By Dolittle
This story is not intended to violate any copyrights held by MCA, Universal Studios, or Renaissance Pictures concerning Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. This story is for fun and no money was made from it.
Jo paced the castle hall. The elegant royal robes she wore rustled gently as the amazon walked. She smoothed the expensive embroidered fabric and thought about her amazon sister, Catra, upstairs in bed.
Several years earlier, Catra had fallen in love with King Provos of Betrans - a tiny, but prosperous, province. Much to her sisters' surprise, Catra left her amazon nation to marry the king, settle down, and had been very happy ever since. At least until a few weeks ago when both king and queen fell ill. Catra had sent word asking her amazon sisters for help. The Queen assigned the task to Jo.
The amazon warrior had successfully treated her ailing sister and the king - given time, they would both make full recoveries. The province was basically content under their just rule and everything seemed to be going well until Jo learned that the neighboring king, Tetros, was coming to Betrans. Tetros was really more of a warlord than a king - a tyrant with a reputation for taking over other kingdoms while their rulers were absent or ill. The amazon swallowed hard just thinking about the evil leader and how he misused his people. Jo was sure Tetros knew about the influenza epidemic and that he was coming to Betrans to attempt to seize the kingdom.
Jo continued pacing the floor, contemplating her next move. It was a desperate plan, but she saw it as their only chance. Tetros had yet to meet the amazon-turned-queen, Catra. Jo was hoping that with some borrowed royal robes and a few castle servants as co-conspirators, she could pass herself off as Catra and convince the scoundrel that their king would soon return. Tetros didn't dare to take over the kingdom without reason - the neighboring kings would unite against him.
“M'Lady”, Hedron, the Palace guard bowed as he entered and addressed Jo. “His Royal Highness, Tetros.” The amazon thought Hedron would choke as he spit out the title. His loathing for the pseudo warlord was abundantly clear.
Tetros strode into the castle hall accompanied by several soldiers. He was a large, burly man with a sallow complexion and a face marred by numerous battle scars. His apparent lack of personal hygiene was obvious even at a distance. Jo instinctively held her breath.
The acting queen nodded curtly. “Welcome to Betrans, how may I help you?”
“Mlady,” he nodded back. “I have come to speak to your king regarding this plague of influenza. The courtiers tell me he is unavailable.”
“Yes, he is out hunting.” She knew it was a poor lie but the only one that Tetros would not be able to refute.
“M'Lady, if your king were to be absent or, gods forbid, ill, during such a trying time; I would be remiss if I did not take on the responsibilities of his kingdom.” The evil leader hissed the not-so-veiled threat.
Jo's hands itched for her fighting staff - she'd teach this cretin a lesson! Unfortunately, such an act would hardly help in diplomatic endeavors.
“M'Lord, we thank you for your kind offer, Jo said sarcastically. However, his Royal Highness will return soon and I am perfectly capable of running the kingdom in his brief absence.”
“I couldn't possibly allow that. Tetros snarled. I shall relieve you of these difficult responsibilities.”
The warrior felt her heart pounding in her chest. She considered lunging for her sword - but hesitated knowing that such a confrontation couldn't possibly help Catra.
Suddenly, Jo noticed a regal figure approaching from down the hall. She stared as her eyes beheld a familiar figure in unfamiliar clothes. The handsome man strode closer, his blonde hair was brushed back neatly, the usually unruly curls held in place by the solid band of a crown. He wore one of the king's embroidered tunics sashed about his waist - the deep v-neck revealed a tantalizing bit of his muscular chest. Snug black trousers tucked into supple leather boots completed the royal ensemble. The dashing figure made his way to her side.
“My Queen”, he smiled and gently kissed her. Almost reluctantly pulling back, the Golden Hunter grinned slyly and winked at his amazon friend. “I've been gone too long, my love. I stopped to help some of the sick along the way.”
Tetros watched in disappointed surprise.
Iolaus turned from his 'queen' to the warlord/king. “You must be Tetros, we meet at last.” The blonde hunter offered the other ruler his hand.
Jo stood in silent awe as her beloved Golden Hunter managed to fool Tetros into believing their little ruse. Finally, the disgusting leader departed.
“Iolaus?” The amazon gasped in awe once they were alone. “What are you doing here?”
“The same thing as you.” The blonde hero replied with a smile. “Your Queen sent word that you might need help, he continued. When I arrived, Hedron dressed me in these clothes and filled me in on what was happening.”
“Thank goodness you arrived when you did.” The amazon let out a long sigh of relief. “But Iolaus, it will be some time before the King improves enough to confront Tetros if he should return.”
The handsome hero gave her his most charming lopsided grin. “We may just have to continue this charade for a while. Hmm, stay in this lovely castle and pretend to be a king . . . I think I can manage that.” He took Jo's hand and pulled her closer. His twinkling blue eyes looked into hers. “Of course, you will have to pretend to be my queen.”
The warrior met his gaze and smiled back. “What EXACTLY would that entail?” She teased.
“Well, this for starters.” He leaned his handsome face down and brushed his lips against hers. His arms slowly wrapped around her waist, drawing her tight against him, as his kiss became more passionate.
THE END
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