The Rise Of An Empire In Ancient Europe-Chapter 109: Andrea

The golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the open canopy of the square, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene. The air was alive with the murmurs of eager voices, the rustle of freshly pressed chitons, and the faint notes of lyres and flutes. It was the second day of Amendolara’s grand matchmaking event, and the entire city seemed to vibrate with anticipation.

The men—mostly new citizens, former mercenaries—had gone to great lengths to groom themselves, their Doric-style chitons clean and sharp. They carried themselves with an air of confidence, eager to find a partner who might offer not just companionship but also a place in this reborn city-state.

The women of Amendolara, led by dignified matrons, entered the square in clusters. Despite their simple attire, they had adorned themselves with careful touches—metal clasps, braided hair, and subtle makeup—transforming their appearances to reflect grace and charm. Shy smiles mingled with curiosity as they assessed the gathered men.

Juleios, ever the orchestrator, had arranged for music to fill the air, infusing the event with a sense of romance and celebration. However, the idyllic atmosphere quickly gave way to bursts of lively commotion. Rivalry over the most attractive women sparked heated arguments among the men, which Juleios deftly managed with the help of the patrol squad. His authoritative presence, coupled with a calm demeanor, restored order wherever tempers flared.

By midday, the matchmaking event had progressed smoothly for most participants. Pairs formed and scattered across the square, some wandering off for private conversations along the mountain trails, while others proceeded directly to the registry to formalize their unions. Yet, in one corner of the square, a peculiar scene unfolded.

A large group of men had gathered around a single woman. Her demeanor was strikingly different from the other women—aloof, unyielding, and completely disinterested in the relentless stream of suitors vying for her attention.

Curious, Juleios sent Raphaelias, the registrar, to investigate. Upon hearing the report, he decided to intervene personally, concerned that the situation might escalate into chaos. As he approached, the crowd parted reluctantly, murmurs of admiration and frustration rippling through the air.

At the center stood the object of all the commotion—a young woman of striking beauty. Her skin was as pale as marble, her features delicate and refined, and her eyes large and luminous, carrying an unspoken defiance. Despite the flurry of attention, she remained composed, her gaze steady and unyielding.

"Who is she?" Juleios whispered to Raphaelias.

"She’s Andrea," Raphaelias replied quietly. "Her husband died last year in the Lucanian campaign with the Thurii army. She’s only twenty, with a three-year-old son."

Juleios nodded and stepped forward. Before he could speak, Andrea’s gaze locked onto his, and she asked directly, "Are you Governor Juleios?"

Surprised by her boldness, Juleios nodded. "That’s me."

"I have something I wish to discuss with you," Andrea said, her voice firm yet tinged with urgency.

Juleios hesitated for a moment, noting the curious stares of the crowd. "Very well. Let’s speak privately."

As they moved away, a few of the new citizens called out in jest, "Leader Juleios, you already have the beautiful Cristoia. Don’t take Andrea from us too!"

Juleios chuckled, raising a hand to calm them. "Relax, brothers. I’m not here to compete with you. Cristoia would never forgive me if I brought another woman home!" His humor elicited laughter from the crowd, easing the tension as he and Andrea walked toward a quieter corner of the square.

Once they were alone, Juleios turned to Andrea. "Now, tell me what’s on your mind."

Andrea bit her lip, hesitating. Finally, she whispered, "I want to know... Bagul... how is he? Is he alive?"

"Bagul?" Juleios echoed, puzzled. "Who is that?"

Andrea’s voice dropped even lower. "He’s... a Lucanian. I saw you defeat him in the temple and take him prisoner. I need to know what happened to him."

Juleios studied her closely, noting her flushed cheeks and trembling hands. Her plea carried an intensity that could not be ignored. "You care for him," he said softly, more a statement than a question. "Why?"

Andrea’s composure faltered. She looked away, struggling to find the words. "I... I don’t know. I just... do."

Juleios’ expression softened. "I’m not here to judge you. Tell me the truth, and I’ll see if I can help."

Andrea’s eyes widened with hope. "You mean it? You’ll help me?"

"If it’s within my power, yes," Juleios assured her. "But first, I need to understand. How did you come to care for a Lucanian?"

Andrea hesitated, then began to tell her story.

Four years ago, Andrea was known throughout Amendolara as "The Rose of Amendolara" for her beauty. Her father had arranged her marriage to a wealthy young nobleman. Although the match seemed ideal at first, the reality soon proved otherwise.

Her husband, handsome and charming in public, was possessive and cruel behind closed doors. He forbade Andrea from speaking to other men, even executing two slaves who had merely conversed with her. Her life became a gilded cage, and her youthful spirit withered under his oppressive control.

When Andrea became pregnant, her husband’s abuse temporarily ceased, giving her a brief respite. However, his attentions turned to other women—prostitutes and female slaves. Worse, he forced Andrea to witness his debauchery, reveling in her humiliation. Her dignity shattered, she withdrew into silent endurance, clinging to the hope of raising her son in peace.

Last year, her husband joined the Thurii army in their campaign against the Lucanians. He never returned. Though Andrea publicly mourned, inwardly, she felt a sense of liberation. For the first time, she was free to live without fear.

But her encounter with Bagul during the Lucanian occupation of Amendolara had awakened something within her. He was unlike the brutish invaders she had come to despise. Captured after a fierce battle, he bore himself with quiet dignity, his eyes meeting hers not with malice but with an almost curious kindness.

Though their interactions were brief and fleeting, Andrea found herself drawn to him. In the months since, thoughts of Bagul had lingered, and now, with the opportunity to speak to Juleios, she could no longer suppress her feelings.

When Andrea finished her tale, Juleios regarded her with a mixture of understanding and admiration. "You’ve endured much," he said softly. "Your courage is commendable."

Andrea looked at him hopefully. "Can you tell me where Bagul is? What has become of him?"

Juleios thought for a moment. "Bagul is a prisoner, like the other captured Lucanians. His fate has yet to be decided. But if he has earned your trust, I will ensure he is treated fairly. Beyond that... we’ll see what can be done."

Andrea’s eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Governor Juleios. Truly."

Juleios nodded, his mind already working on how to navigate this delicate matter. For now, he had one more life to consider in the intricate web of Amendolara’s future.

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