Two years passed, and Pisindelis grew into a healthy, rambunctious toddler. Artemisia's body gradually returned to its usual shape.
However, her thoughts drifted frequently to her plan. She couldn't bring herself to openly kill her husband, knowing the consequences it would bring upon her people. Instead, she devised a more subtle scheme. She would poison him with something subtle, something that wouldn't raise suspicion until it was too late.
One evening, after putting Pisindelis to bed, she summoned one of her trusted advisors, a scholar named Theon. "I need your help," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial. "I want you to create a special potion for me. Something that tastes delicious but is lethal when consumed in large quantities."
Theon raised an eyebrow, his expression wary. "Madness, my Queen! Are you seeking your own demise? Such a deed could easily turn against you."
"No, no, of course not," she assured him, her eyes darting around the room, ensuring they were alone. "I simply want protection for myself and my son. A failsafe, should things take a turn for the worse."
Reluctantly, Theon agreed, his brows furrowing in concern. "Very well, my Queen. But remember, once I've mixed the ingredients, there's no undoing it. Are you truly prepared for what might follow?"
Artemisia smiled, her teeth flashing in the dim candlelight. "I am."
Artemisia revealed her plan to Theon, her voice husky with anticipation. "I'll poison my husband with this potion," she said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Once he's gone, I'll be free to rule without interference."
Theon's eyes widened in shock. "You... you can't be serious, my Queen!"
Artemisia leaned in, her voice low and seductive. "I am, Theon. And if you help me, I promise you'll be rewarded handsomely."
Theon's eyes widened further, his expression a mix of shock and desire. "My Queen, I... I can't do that," he stammered, his voice barely audible.
"Oh, but I think you can," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You've always wanted me, haven't you?"
Theon hesitated, his gaze locked on hers. "Yes, my Queen, but that's not enough reason to--"
She interrupted him, her lips brushing against his, her hands slipping under his cloak, her fingers tracing the outline of his chest. "Think of it as a form of payment, Theon. A reward for a job well done."
Theon's resolve cracked, his body responding to her touch. "Very well, my Queen," he whispered back, his voice heavy with desire. "I'll do as you ask."
Their lips parted, their eyes locked, their breaths mingling together. Artemisia's plan was set in motion, and Theon's loyalty to her had never been more apparent.
Artemisia summoned her husband to her chambers under the guise of a private audience. When he arrived, she was waiting for him, dressed in a gown that clung to her body like a second skin. She was wearing a necklace of pearls and a tiara adorned with precious stones, her beauty shining like a beacon.
"My husband, I have something important to discuss," she said, her voice low and sultry. "Something that requires our undivided attention."
He looked at her, his eyes devouring her from head to toe. "What is it, my love?"
"I... I think it's best if we discuss it in private," she murmured, gesturing to the bed. "Come, sit with me."
He complied, his eyes never leaving her body. "What is it, my Queen?"
She leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear, her breath warm and sultry. "I want to bare another child" she whispered, her voice filled with desire.
His eyes widened in shock, his body responding to her touch. "My Queen, I... I'm not sure--"
She silenced him with a kiss, her tongue exploring his mouth, her hands running down his body, exploring his chest, his stomach, his thighs. His resistance crumbled under her advances, his body responding to her touch.
"I want you, my love," she murmured, her voice filled with desire. "I want you to take me, right here, right now."
Unable to resist her charms, he followed her lead, his own desire burning hotter than ever. He removed his clothes, revealing his well-built physique, and climbed onto the bed, positioning himself between her spread legs. Their bodies pressed against each other, their skin moulding together, as their lips locked in a fiery kiss.
As they kissed passionately, their hands roamed freely over each other's bodies, exploring every curve and contour. He cupped her breasts, squeezing them gently before pinching and twisting her nipples, eliciting a soft moan from her lips. Meanwhile, Artemisia's hands traced down his back, stopping at his buttocks, squeezing and massaging them, reveling in the feel of his firm muscles beneath her fingertips.
With a growl, he broke the kiss, his eyes blazing with desire. "I'm yours, my love," he rasped, his voice hoarse with lust.
"Then give me your seed," she panted, arching her hips upward, offering herself to him.
He positioned himself at her entrance, his cockhead pressing against her tight opening. Slowly, he pushed inside her, moaning softly as her wetness coated his member. With each thrust, he drove deeper, filling her up completely, causing her to cry out in pleasure mixed with pain. Their bodies slapped together, making wet sounds that echoed in the confined space of the room.
"Faster, harder," she panted, her voice filled with desire. "I need it."
He complied, his body moving with primal urgency, his thrusts growing faster and more forceful. Artemisia's mind was focused on Theon, her trusted advisor, and the poisoned potion he had concocted.
Artemisia's plan was already in motion, and she had to act quickly. She whispered to Theon, who was hiding in the shadows, waiting for her signal.
"Now," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sounds of their lovemaking.
Theon moved quickly, his hands slipping into her husband's drink, adding a few drops of the lethal potion.
"Drink, my love," she said, her voice thick with lust.
He paused, his eyes locking with hers. "What's this?"
She smiled, her eyes filled with seduction. "A special potion, my love. It'll make our lovemaking even more intense."
His eyes widened, his body responding to her words. He drank the potion, every drop, his body trembling with anticipation. "It tastes... delicious," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder.
"It is," she whispered, her voice filled with satisfaction. "Just like you, my love."