War and Fortune 2.253

Viggo was sitting in his room, alone and surrounded by his paintings that spoke of all the things that have left a deep impression on him. Whether it's the monsters, the worlds, the situations, his beloved wives, children, knowledge, revelations, or mysteries that remain to be discovered. Today he was working on Caenis' painting: small, brunette, with white hair and rabbit ears, big blue eyes, and innocent expression; certainly adorable.

At the same time, and without realizing it, Viggo began to sing one of the many songs of the high seas that he learned in his years as Misthios in Greece. His voice sounded powerful and majestic filling the space and filtering into the hallway. The color palette in his left hand had the colors and the brush in his right hand gave the finishing touches to the painting.

Suddenly the door opened, but Viggo did not hear it, he was concentrating painting in a good mood. The door closed and someone moved through the room, passing through the paintings that populated thirty percent of the entire space until the person reached Viggo's side. That person was Semiramis, dressed in a white chiton with golden edges. She watched as Viggo painted the little Amazon. She had an innocent face full of the tenderness of the first years of life.

—I see you're in a very good mood— said Semiramis, she folded her arms and waited for her husband to pay attention to her.

Viggo froze for a moment, but unconsciously removed the brush so as not to damage the paint in an oversight. Then he looked to the side and saw Semiramis, dark hair like night, beautiful face, eyes with a yellow iris, and languid look that made her look sophisticated.

—I thought you would be saying goodbye to our friend, sending him with the things ordered by the Schtauffen family and then continuing his boat trip—

—Are you talking about Edgar? He's not my friend and you know it, don't be jealous—

—No one has become jealous— Viggo said with a mocking smile —it's just a way of referring to a possible pawn. Someone who will be of use to us in the future—

—You still don't tell me what you told Edgar to become our servant—

—You don't need to know. Kiara said it, you don't need to know about the future. Mortals are not very smart about this information and Edgar is not the difference. He thinks he is smarter than us, for his love he will betray us and try to sell us to his emperor. However, when he tells his emperor what he knows about us he will be taken for mad and expelled from the court. His beloved Virginia will do what is necessary to take away everything he has and let him sink alone into misery. She is not a good person, not like my beloved— he said with a knowing smile that melted the firm expression of Semiramis and showed a smile, but that, after a few seconds, she tries to hide and place her serious expression again. Viggo smiled pleased to see that he could so easily change his wife's mood. Her seduction was still working in her. A dangerous and sad thing would be the day when Viggo had no power over Semiramis. She might leave him and consider him boring and unfunny. Therefore, Viggo had to continue to fall in love with her, mixing a bit of lust and cruelty in her dealings. The two went hand in hand.

Viggo looked at Caenis' painting, smiled and brought the brush back to the cinnamon cheek sector. The shadow he had managed to give depth to the space between the cheek and the nose did not convince him. It seems that this picture would need some tweaking, he thought.

—As I was saying, Edgar is not very intelligent, but when he reaches the state that he has lost everything, he will realize something. I told him. And as I told him, in his mind the image of a god will be created. Not one like the ones in Orario, but a magical one that sees everything. Then he will return to Orario and we will have a faithful servant who will do whatever we ask. Someone who will know the emperor's agenda, will know other nobles, their secrets, special places, and important people. That will open us to a new world of information, and we can get into the empire market. By associating with the right people like the Schtauffens and others, we cannot be set apart and we will have made a place in the Empire—

—So, in the end, you fooled him—

—No, I saw his future and just told him what would happen. I realized that no matter what, he would do everything in his path to avoid such a future. So, he helped fulfill the prophecy. Instead of doing his best to change his destination, he looks for the shortest path and it will only lead him to his destination. He believes he has control over his life, over the empire, over what others think. His beloved Virginia and the emperor. Idiot, he may have some control over his life, but not over other people unless he has something they want. Well, as you'll see, I haven't done anything wrong—

Semiramis let out a sigh and said —this sounds like what Rosewisse said about Odin—

—Odin killed all his subjects— Viggo said unperturbed, remained calm and kept moving the brush on the canvas —I am taking those who may die and giving them a second chance. Edgar could die like the dog he is, but when traveling on a Schtauffen family ship, the Duchess will know of his existence and keep an eye on future meetings that the emperor has. She also doubts us, which is wise, but does not think herself better than us. However, the important thing is that the Duchess's vigilance helped Edgar avoid death—

—I don't know whether you're cruel or good—

—A little bit of both, I think— said Viggo —but only against our enemies, woman—

Semiramis let out a sigh, hugged Viggo from behind and the latter removed the brush from the canvas so as not to damage it –just, I don't want you to become like that god, promise me. That woman who visits Bell, whenever she sees me, is afraid and worriedly looking at the hallways, as if she fears someone—

—Alfia?— asked Viggo, remembering the woman with silver hair —she does well to fear me. She is too stupid, throwing herself into death without thinking things through. Also change her destiny. She was to die along with the other warrior, but I change. I have no regrets; her insipid life will serve to make Bell grow strong. The fear will pass, if necessary, I will make the fear pass. Don't worry, nothing will harm our children—

—Viggo, you're afraid of me— Semiramis whispered.

Viggo took a deep breath, got up from the stool, and Semiramis let go. He turned around, leaving the color palette on the stool along with the brush. He had a light brown spot on his nose, which made Semiramis laugh. Viggo did not worry, he circled the stool and stood in front of Semiramis. He looked at her eyes, beautiful, dark hair, heart-shaped face, and almond-shaped eyes with a yellow iris. Different from the initial look, Semiramis smiled, but concern was also hidden in his gaze. Viggo could understand, she didn't know, but if he told her all the things he had seen, the future of Orario, the future of Bell and the others, she would not be calm.

Viggo took Semiramis' hands and raised them to chin height. He kisses them on the back like someone who kisses the most beautiful thing in the world. Little hands that built an empire, counted the gold, and drew up plans to multiply it. Too beautiful, too intelligent, admirable, beautiful. Viggo under his hands but did not let go of Semiramis. He looked into her eyes for twenty seconds —I love you— whisper. Semiramis smiled and blushed, but she tried to stay serious, even though her lips betrayed her by reforming an involuntary smile. Viggo brought his face closer to maintaining eye contact until he kissed her. Then they kissed slowly, exploring each other's mouths until the feeling of love began to transform into lust. Semiramis pulled away panting, knowing that she must not continue. She needed to arrange a hundred meetings, either with nobles from other countries, their workers, gods, and merchants. Her schedule was already messy and with this visit she was even worse. However, when she looked Viggo in the eye, she couldn't refuse. Those blue eyes that looked at her so passionately were irresistible. She knew what was coming. Viggo would take everything from her, strip her, take away even her sanity. He would then explore every part of her body, charting a new path of sensations and causing emotions to explode in her body.

—I curse you for taking it from me, Viggo Dragonroad— said Semiramis, looking into his eyes as if wanting to leave him, but without owning her own emotions that clouded her mind.

—I accept your grudge, but in return I will keep everything. You are mine, until the last part of your being— replied Viggo, kissed her and slowly took her to bed where everything became a complete disaster. Viggo's room was filled with sounds, but they were no longer the songs of the high seas that he learned all those years ago and that sneaked into the outside corridor. Now they were the groans of carnal desire that consumed everything.

It was four o'clock in the afternoon when everything calmed down, Viggo was in bed and Semiramis was hugging him on the left side. She ran her hand over Viggo's chest in a languid motion as Viggo ran his left hand over Semiramis' back all the way to the shoulder.

—Viggo— said Semiramis, his eyes half closed —I can ask you something—

—As long as it's within my possibility, yes— Viggo said.

—Don't keep occupying the painted pictures—

—Why? You know that they are a valuable resource that allows me to have time for you and to be able to fulfill my obligations. Without the painted pictures, I would lose a lot of time, my day would not be enough for everything I have to do—

—In this year, how many years have you aged?—

Viggo was silent for a few seconds and answered — two years —

—And if you occupy the painted pictures the number of times you had planned, how old will you grow this year?—

—Five— Viggo whispered.

—I don't think I need more reasons than that— said Semiramis —every time you have gotten into one of the painted pictures you come out with a trauma, a fear or emitting a different feeling. Sometimes I don't know you. I know you're still my Viggo, but I'm afraid one day I won't recognize you anymore—

—I... I can't promise you I'll stop occupying them— Viggo whispered, turned around and landed on top of Semiramis. They both looked into each other's eyes, warm bodies touching each other —but I'll do what you told me last time and space out their use over time.

—How much?—

—Once every two times?—

—Once every four months— said Semiramis —with that you will only grow old three years for every year lived—

Viggo let out a sigh, got off Semiramis and lay on the bed, but she wouldn't let him and climbed on top of him. Viggo looked away trying to ignore her, but she grabbed his face and forced him to look at her.

—Promise me, Viggo— said Semiramis.

Viggo stared at Semiramis and watched as her eyes became watery to the point that a tear came down her cheek. Viggo nodded without further ado, overcome by the love he felt for this woman. He was also a prisoner of her, he couldn't just ignore her and make her sad. For better or worse, she had his heart in her hands.