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My husband, Menelaus, hadn't been able to come to
Xanthippe's betrothal ceremony, but he had allowed me to come on my own.
He could hardly refuse as the invite had come my father, King Tyndareus.
This arrangement suited me fine as it meant I would be able to tussle
with Xani one more time and avenge the beating she had given me in our
previous encounter. In preparation for the fight I had made generous offerings to the goddess Aphrodite to give me a victory over Xanthippe. Why Aphrodite, the goddess of love and lust, you will ask? Well I wanted this fight to be a climax to the fighting and loving friendship that Xani and I had had since we were children. I had arranged for us to meet in an underground room at my father's palace where I knew we would not be disturbed. Although it was winter the room was warm and well lit with flaming torches that gave the whole place a golden glow. I had oiled my skin with scented oil that made my body glisten in the light from the flames. I felt as if had become Aphrodite made flesh as I waited for Xanthippe's arrival! |
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