#Princess of Selinódasos

[sa-characters]

Princess Nikh Akrisiou

GENDER - Female

AGE - Teen

Princess of Selinódasos

ASPIRATION - Rambunctious Scamp, Admired Icon

TRAITS: Calm, Fussy, Good, Bro

SIGN: Capricornus

PARENTS - Laonome Amphytriona and King Akrisios I

PARTNER - None

CHILDREN - None

Download: Not available

Story: Once Upon A Time - The first ones

Family tree: The first ones

TEEN: Privilege sounds so enticing, but is it really? Nikh is so restricted by expectations. Marriage, power, heritage, they are all part of it. But what about dreams?

CHILD: Nikh loves to run, climb and fight. Not to quarrel, but wrestling. She is strong and beat most boys her age. Her dream is to became a bull-jumper when she grows up.

TODDLER: You see, if you spoil a child like Nikh, she will become more and more demanding for attention. She is still very sweet, but OMG what a tiring kid...

INFANT: Nikh (Nike in English) was named during the Tartosa war while her mother was hoping for a victory. She doesn't seem to be a warrior, but who knows, the calm and friendly people might win in the end.

[kyriat-stories]

Three weeks later a small deputation arrived at Kastro Daskalió, after only a couple of weeks preparations. It was late in the afternoon, and they were immediately treated with a first class meal.

- I must compliment you on your Simlish skills, Your Majesty. My knowledge in Toki Sulani is very limited.

- Thank you, Your Majesty. Actually my mother, bless her memory, was bilingual, so I learned Simlish from an early age.

- Really? Was she not born here in Katafygio?

- She was, but her grandmother was born in Manthos. And in our family we always appreciated the different languages.

- And the Prince? Does he know Simlish as well?

- He is still learning, so your visit will be good practice for him. Does the Queen speak any foreign language?

- She knows a few words of Tartosiano, since they had a servant from there at her father's castle. She was, as you know, born in Selinódasos, and although their Simlish is a bit different from ours, it's still fully understandable.

- Yes, of course. How is her father? I heard he remarried?

- He did, and he is getting older of course, but he is in good health, as far as we know. We will continue our travel to Selinódasos after our visit here. We have some important matters to discuss with him, as well as with you.

- I figured this was not just a courtesy visit. I look forward to discussing these matters tomorrow. Now, let's enjoy our meal and this lovely evening.

- Absolutely! I must say, the wild boar is excellent.

The King chose not to mention that he actually had no taste for meat. He was a sworn vegetarian, but also a pragmatic.

The next day King Mijararos explained to Queen Selhnh why he had come. It was an open and direct conversation, since the King felt he had nothing to loose by being upfront, even if he didn't know the Queen that well.

- I did a terrible misjudgement with that wedding and believing it would preserve the peace, King Mijararos said. We soon realized when Princess Amphiera arrived, that she poisoned the atmosphere at the palace, causing tension everywhere. And, the worst of all, we have proof that she killed my uncle, Prince Heraklis. A couple of weeks ago we also learned that King Turunusemis has his soldiers lined up close to our border. It's just a matter of time until they will invade. Our military wouldn't stand a chance. We were fooled to think we don't have enemies anymore. And on the top of everything, my sister is now literally a hostage at Turunusemis' castle.

- I understand, Queen Selhnh said thoughtfully. A tricky situation indeed.

- We could really need your assistance, Your Majesty.

- I would have to decline. I truly sympathize with your situation, believe me. I've had my own troubles with that monster over the years. However, going to war against Turunusemis entails too great a risk for us. His army is very strong.

- What if I could convince my father-in-law to join us?

- Full force? In an alliance?

- Yes.

- Maybe. I will consider it. I'm tempted, but it's still a risk. I have heard good things about you, but you are inexperienced.

- I'm willing to let you take the strategic lead over my men. I'm not a fool, I know my own deficiencies. If my uncle was still alive it would be different, but he isn't.

- In case I agreed on such an arrangement, wouldn't you be afraid that I might double-cross you?

- From what I hear, your word is solid. And, to be frank, I don't have that many options. In politics there is always a risk of betrayal, but it's one I'm willing to take. In worst case, if Manthos should fall, I would rather see it fall into your hands, than to Turunusemis.

- Interesting. Well, like I said. I will consider it. When will you travel to Selinódasos?

- As soon as possible. Within days I hope.

- I will discuss it with my son and our generals and give you my answer before you go. In the meantime, please enjoy our hospitality.

- I appreciate your kindness. I must ad, even if you should decide to decline our request, which I hope you don't, but still, you have my very highest regards.

- Likewise, Your Majesty.

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[sa-characters]

Queen Euthalia Amphytrona (Akrisiou)

GENDER - Female

AGE - Teen

Queen of Manthos

ASPIRATION - Mansion Baron

TRAITS: Perfectionist, Overachiever

SIGN: Taurus

PARENTS - Queen Laonome and King Akrisios I

PARTNER - King Mijararos

CHILDREN - Radhamanthos

Download: Not available

Story: Once Upon A Time - The first ones

Family tree: The first ones

Euthalia is going her own ways, and is strong and stubborn. She would be a great monarch, but of course, she is a girl so it is unlikely that she would inherit the throne. Euthalia doesn't mind, she enjoys other aspects of life, much more down to earth.

[sa-characters]

Queen Laonome Akrisiou (Amphytriona) - DECEASED

GENDER - Female

AGE - Adult

Queen of Selinódasos

ASPIRATION - Renaissance Sim

TRAITS:   Proper, Childish, Goofball

SIGN: Gemini

PARENTS - King Radhamanthos and Queen Alkmini 

PARTNER - King Akrisios

CHILDREN - Euthalia, Nikh, Philokratis,

Download: King Radhamanthos and the Royal family

Story: Once Upon A Time - The first ones

Family tree: The first ones

ADULT: Life has had an impact on Laonome, as it has on most of us. She enjoy her children, seeing them grow up and prosper, but she also misses the fuzz and buzz of Manthos Castle. She is quite involved int the politics in her new kingdom, and there are visits to look forward to of course, but, you know, it’s not the same. Don’t misunderstand, she is not unhappy! But she is not really happy either.

YOUNG ADULT: She married early - thanks to his mother's ambitious plan - and even if she was not thrilled in the beginning, it worked out quite well for her. The Akrisios Castle was much more relaxed and informal than the vast and impersonal Manthos Palace. She enjoyed taking care of her own children, and even having direct contact with the animals on the castle farm. Who would have thought that?

TEEN: She has inherited her mother's beauty, but not her diplomatic finesse. But to be just, she is still young, and she might learn. At the moment she seems very immature and her actions are not very carefully considered. She has her own knack for annoying people, probably something she learned from growing up with two brothers.

[kyriat-stories]

The King of Manthos, the young Mijararos, had payed a friendly visit to King of Selinódasos, the wealthy King Akrísios, who was also married to Mijaros' aunt, Queen Laonome. This was a courtesy visit, but with an agenda. They had an important issue to discuss: To strengthen the ties between the two kingdoms through an agreement on marriage.

When seeing his potential wife, King Mijararos was quite startled.

- But she is still a child! I don't think this is a good idea.

- Well, you knew her age already, didn't you? She is almost ten winters.

- When grandmother said "marry your cousin" I didn't realize she meant Princess Nikh. I always assumed she meant Princess Euthalia. This is not what I had prepared for.

- Princess Euthalia is already spoken for. We have already made an agreement with the Kingdom of Koiláda Chalkoú.

- I don't mind cousin Mijarare, Nikh said, I know you will be a kind husband. And also grandma and uncle Heraklis will be there, so I'm not afraid.

- Thank you for that, Nikh my dear, but it's not that easy. There are expectations that you simply can't fill.

- There would be a long period of engagement of course, at least three winters. The important thing now is the agreement, not the fulfillment.

- I hear you uncle, and I respect that, but I ... I just can't. The age difference bothers me, and it will probably do so for many years. The gap is too large. I'm sorry, I will just have to decline.

- Mother will not be pleased, Laonome said. The whole family will be so disappointed.

- It can't be helped aunt Laonome, this is impossible. I will have to look for a wife elsewhere I'm afraid.

- Is it my fault cousin Mijarare? Am I too ugly? You don't love me?

- Of course I love you! Just not in a husband-and-wife-way, okay? Besides, you are the prettiest girl in the whole kingdom and any young man will be proud to marry you, as soon as you get a bit older.

- I'm really sorry uncle. But might I suggest that you consider my brother Linos for Nikh? They are closer in age, and he is second to the throne.

- I was hoping for a more prestigious marriage, so I don't know. It's not what I had planned for my daughter. This is most unfortunate.

- My men! Laonome cut in. We must be able to solve this somehow.

- I don't see how, Mijararos answered.

- Not me neither, Akrisios agreed.

- Dear nephew, would you consider marrying Euthalia, if she wasn't spoken for?

- I would. We are about the same age at least.

- So if we can reach an agreement with the King of Koiláda Chalkoú to let her go, would we have an agreement? Even if the dowry would be lower?

- Why should it be lower?

- Because we would have to offer something to the King of Koiláda Chalkoú. As a compensation.

- Do you think he would be willing to discuss it?

- It's worth a try.

- And Euthalia, how would she feel about it, would she consider living at Manthos palace?

- Oh, absolutely. She wasn't very keen on going to Koiláda Chalkoú, that's for sure. She's been sulking for weeks now.

- Ironically, that sounds promising. So maybe we have an agreement then?

- Provided the King of Koiláda Chalkoú agrees; yes!

- When I come home, Mijararos added, I will suggest that the house of Manthos and grandmother assists with the compensation, just to make sure he will think it's worth it.

- You make it sound so easy, Laonome laughed.

- What?

- "I will suggest that grandmother assists". That woman is not known for accepting any suggestions easily. Unless it's in her interest.

- It's just a matter of making her realizing just that, it is in her interest. I know what I will have to do.

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[kyriat-stories]

Epilogue

When peace is preserved everybody is happy, but also: life goes on.

King Mijararos was said to show his happiness in quite an un-royal way when he got the news about King Turunusemis' passing. They Kings, Queens and soldiers all returned to their respective kingdoms and homes the following day.

The men was told that it had all been a rehearsal, and that there were no actual threat of war. Some believed it, some not. But everybody was happy to be home.

Sibyla, the nursemaid and Queen Ofelias confidant, went back to Strangepolis, but returned to Koilada Chalkou after a couple of months. She is now a housekeeper, a very high-ranking and respected position at the castle. She is also said to keep the Queen warm at night, but if you ever asked anyone at the castle about it, you would be told to mind your own business.

Prince Iasonas of Katafygio have been said to approach Queen Ofelia aiming at a matrimonial alliance. She politely turned him down. He is now in discussions with the King of Selinódasos, who is positive to a marriage between the Prince and his daughter Nikh. In a few years.

Princess Amphiera gave birth to twins the following spring. She is still kept in a separate part of the palace, and is not allowed to go outside unless she is accompanied by her husband, or an officer designated by him. She has her own servant and is allowed to see the children a couple of hours a day. They are otherwise cared for by Princess Konchylia, who might be surprising, considering that Princess Amphiera killed her husband. But, as she says, the children are not to blame for the sins of their parents.

Eteokardiás (Teo) decided to agree to a five year contract with the forces, where his main role was as a chef. He is entitled to a five days leave a couple of times a year. His mother suspects that his reasons for agreeing to the contract is personal, not financial.

On one of those hot summer days, after all of this, Kyrios Yousif Eláïom unfortunately passed away, most likely of a heart attack. His wife Eira, was of course heartbroken, but denies regretting marrying him. She is however worried about bringing up their little daughter alone. The girl, Maya, has now passed two years old, and is still not walking. Her mother took her to the temple as a baby, and the high priestess claimed that she was "touched by the gods"; a blessed child. Maya is a lovely, sweet little one, loved by everyone in the family, and in the whole village. (If they had access to modern medicine they would understand that Maya has Downs syndrome, but a blessed child she is nevertheless.)

[End of chapter 12]

A huge thank you to those of you who have followed, liked and commented on my story so far. It means a lot, and I am truly grateful. 💕

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[kyriat-stories]

At the Kastro of Koiláda Chalkou there were not just one wedding scheduled that summer, but two. To keep the peace between them, the two kings had decided to strengthen the ties between the families. The mind behind it all was of course Queen Alkmini, but unfortunately she was not able to attend herself. Her health was not good, after all she was getting very old.

The beautiful Princess Ofelia, the sister of the King of Manthos, was to marry the King of Koiláda Chalkou, a small but wealthy kingdom on the Manthos continent.

Princess Ofelia's twin brother, Prince Linos, was expected to marry the elder sister of the King of Koiláda Chalkou, Princess Amphiera. She was a beauty, but much older than her chosen one.

He was not happy about. Just hours before the ceremony, he had a big fight with his brother, King Mijararos, about it.

- How can I marry that woman?! She is so old! Her hair is already growing white!

- She still has many good years, the king tried to argue.

- You are such a hypocrite! You didn't want to marry cousin Nikh because she was too young for you, and now you expect me to marry that old hag?

- Calm down! You know very well that I did that so we wouldn't wait years and years for an heir to the throne. And she is not an old hag, she is still a beautiful woman.

- But she is too old! She is older than our mother for goddess sake!Not much chance for me having a heir, that's for sure. At least not with her.

- The heir is not important in your case, the liaison is.

- Axx, leave me alone, I can't reason with you anyway

- So, will do as you are told then?

- You and grandma don't leave me much choice, do you? I will do it, but I will not forgive this. I will find my revenge, be sure of that!

- Lino, please...

That afternoon, in a ceremony led by King Akrisios of Selinódasos, the switch of siblings was done and the peace of the two kingdoms was secured.

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