Artemisia allowed him to continue his advances for a while, savoring the thrill of his brazenness. Finally, she broke the tension with a seductive smirk. "Your persistence is commendable, but I'm afraid I must decline your proposal," she said, her voice dripping with false disappointment.
"But you haven't even tried yet!" he protested, his hands gripping her waist tightly.
"And that's precisely why I won't," she replied, her voice husky with suppressed desire. "Now, if you'll excuse me, General, I have matters to attend to."
With a gentle push, she pushed him away from her, regaining her composure. Turning, she walked back inside her chambers, closing the door behind her with a soft click.
Artemisia was in her chamber, wearing nothing but a thin, translucent nightgown that barely concealed her voluptuous figure. She had just finished reviewing the day's accounts when she heard the soft click of the door opening. Turning around, she saw Mardonius standing there, his eyes devouring her exposed body.
"What do you think you're doing here?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with suspicion.
"Please, Your Majesty," he said quickly, raising his hands in surrender. "I mean you no harm. I simply heard of your legendary skills in combat and wished to test them against mine. A friendly duel, nothing more."
"And if I refuse?" she asked, her voice cold and unyielding.
"Then we part ways, as planned," he replied, taking a step closer. "But if you accept, I assure you, our encounter will be memorable."
"Very well," she said, rolling her shoulders to loosen up. "Let us begin."
Mardonius nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Agreed," he replied, and they both rushed towards each other, their weapons clashing in a blur of steel and movement.
The duel was intense, but surprisingly, Mardonius proved to be a formidable opponent. His broadsword was faster than Artemisia's slender one, and he used his height and reach to his advantage. They traded blows with lightning speed, their feet barely touching the ground as they danced around each other.
"You're quite skilled, General," Artemisia panted between breaths, her face flushed with exertion. "But I've faced greater challenges than you."
Mardonius grinned, his teeth flashing in the dim light. "Indeed, Your Majesty? Let's see how much greater." Their swords clanged together once more, sending sparks flying.
Mardonius was getting the upper hand, his strength and reach becoming increasingly evident. He managed to land several powerful strikes against Artemisia, forcing her to retreat back several feet. "Not so confident now, are you?" he taunted, his voice booming in the confined space.
Artemisia gritted her teeth, her heart racing faster than ever. Sweat trickled down her forehead, staining her pale skin. She feigned a step forward, then whipped around, her sword slashing across his exposed side. Mardonius grunted, but he managed to deflect her strike, his own blade slicing through the air towards her exposed torso.
She dodged just in time, her feet landing lightly on the floor. Pivoting, she executed a swift roundhouse kick aimed at his knee, but he expertly blocked it with his leg. Another strike followed, this time aiming for his neck, but he parried it away effortlessly.
"Impressive," he complimented, his breath coming in heavy gasps. "But you're running out of time, Queen."
Artemisia cursed under her breath, her heart racing wildly in her chest. She couldn't afford to let him land another solid blow.
Mardonius pressed his advantage, his attacks becoming faster and more precise. Another powerful strike knocked Artemisia backward, sending her flying against the wall. She slid down it, her body aching from the impact. Her grip on her sword slackened, and it fell from her numb fingers.
"Mercy, Queen," he panted, his breath hot against her ear. "You've fought valiantly, but this ends here."
With one last burst of energy, Artemisia rolled forward, grabbing Mardonius' leg and yanking hard, sending him tumbling to the ground. She landed on top of him, pinning him down with her weight. Regaining her breath, she glared down at him, their faces mere inches apart. "Not today, General," she spat out between heavy breaths. "You underestimated the pride of Caria's queen."
Mardonius chuckled, his chest heaving. "Fair enough," he conceded. "Another time, perhaps."
As they lay there, panting heavily, sweat dripping down their bodies, Artemisia couldn't help but notice how handsome Mardonius actually was. His muscular physique, his strong features, and those piercing eyes—there was something about him that piqued her interest.
"No more games, General," she whispered, her voice husky with desire. "I believe we both know what you truly came here for."
In response, Mardonius grinned, his eyes burning with lust. "I've waited long enough, Your Majesty," he growled, his hands reaching for her exposed thighs.
With a groan, Artemisia pushed him down, straddling his waist. "Then make the most of it," she purred, her hips rocking against his hardened member, teasing him mercilessly. "But remember this was your idea," she added, her voice cold and seductive. "Don't come crying to me later."
Mardonius groaned in frustration, his hands gripping her waist tightly. "Never," he rasped out, his breath hot against her neck. "Never, Your Majesty."
Without further ado, Artemisia positioned herself over him, her wet folds brushing against his throbbing member. Slowly, she lowered herself onto him, groaning as he filled her completely. Their bodies became one, their moans echoing in the empty chamber.
Their rhythm picked up, faster and harder, their movements becoming increasingly aggressive. Their hips slapped against each other's, creating a primal soundtrack for their passionate coupling. Artemisia arched her back, her breasts swaying enticingly, her nails digging into Mardonius' shoulders.
"You're mine now, General," she panted, her eyes locked with his. "Enjoy your time with me, because this is the closest you'll ever get to a queen like me."
Mardonius growled, his thrusts becoming more forceful, his hands gripping her hips tightly. "Never," he breathed out, his voice hoarse with desire. "Never will I forget this night."