The Broken Peace

Slowly, the haze began to fade away as Tasso started to wake. He awoke to find himself lying on what must have been the most comfortable set of mattresses and sheets. What he saw around him was not what he expected to see. A large open window overlooking a garden area greeted him to his right as the morning sunlight shone brightly throughout the room. The bedroom was painted a soothing beige and decorated with original oil paintings. However, what interested him the most at that moment was that the bedroom door stood open.

Rising from the bed, he realized lavish silk pajamas had replaced his uniform. He crept to the door and peered outside into a much larger but no less apportioned room with a large table. Sitting on the table was an assortment of exotic fruits, meats and place settings for at least four guests. He then noticed the fair-skinned, brown-haired woman who appeared to finish placing the silverware around the table.

She looked up after finishing her task and smiled at him pleasantly. “You’re awake, Admiral; I hope you had a pleasant night. Would you like your breakfast now?” she asked him. Tasso moved into the room, taking notice of the two other women who stood at the far wall. Each woman was elegantly dressed and groomed to pristine beauty.

“Uhm, actually, I think I would like to take a shower now if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, if you will follow me.” She led him to a marbled floor bathroom with a large walk-in shower. “Your bath accessories are inside, and your towels will be ready when you are finished,” she said.

Tasso nodded and thanked her. Turning his attention to the shower, he failed to notice at first that the woman had begun to remove her clothing. Turning around, Tasso saw that she had her back turned to him and was undoing the strap on her bra. “Whoa, wait, hold on there."

She quickly stopped. “Do I displease you? If you like, I can get one of the others, or we can all join you if you prefer.”

“Wait, no, please. That will not be necessary. I want to shower alone, that’s all. No, displeasure at all.”

“My apologies. I have made you uncomfortable,” the young woman said as she redressed. “Should I have myself sent for punishment?”

“What? No, I prefer to shower alone. Thank you for the offer; you did nothing wrong.”

“As you wish, then. Take as long as you like in the shower. We have an assortment of meats prepared for you, coffee and juice. I will have your breakfast served when you finish. Is there anything else that you require?”

“No, I’m well taken care of, thank you.” The young woman bowed slightly and exited the bathroom. Tasso disrobed and entered the shower. The water was too hot for him at first, but the temperature evened with some adjustments. He began to relax as the warm water flowed over him. It felt nice to finally have a hot shower, even if it was too hot.

Several minutes later, he emerged from the shower and dried off. After redressing, he returned to the sitting area and sat at the table. One of the serving ladies at the far end of the room stepped forward and prepared a plate for him, sitting it in front of him while the other woman filled his coffee cup.

The brown-haired woman returned to the room as Tasso began to eat his meal. “Is everything to your satisfaction, Admiral?” she asked him pleasantly as she stood by the table. The other two women in the room took their former places at the far corner of the room at her arrival. Tasso quickly guessed that the brown-haired woman must be the maitre d’hotel and was in charge of his comfort.

“Yes, but I would feel more comfortable if you were to join me. I would like all of you to join me. If you please.”

“If that pleases you,” she said, motioning for the other two women to join them at the table. The brown-haired woman sat first, and the other two joined her at the table. It was just as Tasso thought about their status.

“Are you allowed to tell me your name?” he asked the brown-haired woman as she sat across from him. “And please, have some of this food. All of you. I do hate to eat alone.”

“My name is Sabrina,” the brown-haired woman said. “This is Jaqueline,” Sabrina said, pointing to the darker-skinned woman to his right. “This is Morgan,” she said, pointing to the woman with short blonde hair to his left. She nodded at the other two, and they began to partake in the food on the table. “As you have probably guessed, we are here to take care of you during your stay.”

“That’s wonderful, but can you at least tell me where I am?” he asked.

“You are at the Palace of Lycurgus on Laconia and a guest of Crown Prince Alexander.”

“The Crown Prince? What does he want with me?”

“I’m sorry, but I do not know. Our job is to see to your comfort and ensure that you are ready for your meeting with his majesty today.”

“Today? When?” Tasso asked.

“I am not sure. An escort will be sent for you when the Crown Prince is ready. We have provided a uniform for you to wear to your meeting,” she said before sipping the warm coffee.

Tasso rose from his seat and walked over to a large window. He could see several well-dressed military and civilian people in a courtyard below. Most of the uniforms Tasso saw he recognized as Laconian navy and army officers. A few were unknown to him, and Tasso believed them to be attaches from foreign militaries or some other type of dignitary. “You said I had a uniform to wear,” he said to Sabrina, “may I see it, please.”

“Of course, Jaqueline, bring the Admiral’s uniform.” The other woman bowed slightly and left the room. She returned a few minutes later with a uniform Tasso had not seen in almost ten years. It was a dark blue uniform with gold trim of the Anatolian Navy. The shoes were black and polished so well he could see his reflection. Memories began to flood back to him of his days standing on the bridge of mighty warships. These commanding fleets decided the fates of millions of people during his career.

“You recreated this well,” he finally said as he admired the uniform, “but I don’t wear the uniform anymore. I haven’t worn this uniform in some time.”

“We were not sure of all your awards and honors, but we did the best we could with the information we had on you. Please try it on, and we can make any necessary adjustments before your meeting.

“I don’t wear this uniform anymore. The Crown Prince should know that.”

“I’m sure he is aware of that, but he insists that you should have the honors you have earned. Please, Admiral, put on the uniform.”

“And if I refuse?”

“I’m afraid you will be forced to put it on, and the Krypteia will punish us for failing to prepare you for the meeting.”

“Punished? How?” Tasso asked, taken aback by her openness.

“With all respects, Admiral, we had rather not find out.”

“Yes, I guess not. I’ll wear it, but I’ll dress myself, please.”

“As you wish, Admiral Tasso,” Sabrina said, turning back to the other women in the room. “Ladies, the Admiral wishes to dress himself.” The women bowed slightly and quietly exited the room. “By your leave, Admiral.”

“Sabrina, you are dismissed, but before you go, tell me. Will I see you again?”

She smiled politely, “That depends on what His Excellency wants with you.” Sabrina bowed and then exited to join the other women, closing the door behind her.