Oracle's Vision by TL Reeve and Michele Ryan

331 B.C.

Euphrates River

The trap had been set. For so long she struggled under the rule of Xerxes, and Darius. Their rotten families did nothing but use her gift for ill. Of course, so did her parents. In the beginning, they used her stories as ways of gaining what they wanted. Her father yearned for the shepherd’s land to tend to his paltry, malnourished sheep. Her mother desired only the finest of silks to wear, so she sought to take the tent of a merchant--by force if need be. Her parents conspired day and night devising schemes of foolhardy nature.

Nai learned early on, she talked in her sleep. Her ramblings, though not meaningful to her, held a wealth of information her parents could take advantage of. They wrote down everything and after several days of planning, they went to Xerxes himself, to tell him of the treachery befallen the beauteous city of Pasargadae. So enraged by the plots to overthrow him, Xerxes pulled the shepherd from his land and the merchant selling the finest silks, and threw them into the putrid cells of the capital. Two days later, their heads were severed from their bodies as a reminder to everyone of who ruled the land.

When Nai learned her sleep addled babbling had helped kill those who had the audacity to have more than her parents, she refused to help them in any in devour, instead choosing a more solitary life.

Unfortunately, being an oracle has its limits. She never knew what would come of her life, only those around her. If she happened to be in their life, she received glimpses of her future entwined with theirs.

Five summers came and went.

She'd been all of fifteen when Xerxes men appeared at her hut. They'd taken turns, raping her until they each had their fill, then brought her lifeless body to the King. His cold, venomous words, rang clear in her head. “A pity an oracle such as you, would resist the finer things in life. A gilded cage is where you'll stay until such time I see fit to release you on my prey.” Later she found out through slaves and concubine, her parents sold her to the King.

Her life had fetched two goats and a chicken, plus the envy of those who conspired with her parents…

The years passed with little to no change in her status. If she had thought to escape, all those she considered friend, died horrible deaths in front of her eyes. Since she’d refused to help, she never saw their deaths and in turn, shame, and guilt weighed heavily on her soul, leaving behind a black stain, she’d never remove.

Two more years passed. A sadness she’d never experienced settled over her like a dark cloud, promising flooding rains. “Ah, there you are,” Xerxes said, a brilliant smile spread across his lips. “It is time to fly my beautiful bird.” He clapped his hands twice and a harem of women descended on him. “Tonight, you will greet the great Alexander, and you will destroy him.”

Desert winds whipped around her. A sand storm had blown through, forcing Alexander's men to take shelter behind the dunes. The day had finally come to watch those who ruthlessly used her without consequence or care, to die slow, torturous deaths. After spending years locked in a cage overlooking the city she once considered home—while being beaten daily if she didn't reveal some tidbit of information—she found her freedom. A caged bird no more, she stretched her wings, and took comfort from the man in her dreams. Alexander the Great. Alex, to those whom he cherished. And cherish her, he did.

The man had a fetish for boys and women. Though today the tales of Alexander the Great seemed to skim over his dalliances. However, she'd been there. Even participated a time or two. He was a skillful lover, bringing her to heights untold. Then cared for her with the utmost tenderness. She fancied herself half in love with the general. Though her kind of love came from rose-colored glasses and little girl fantasies. And, though she may not call him hers, she stood beside him, taking down those who caused her pain.

Nai relayed to him the plans Xerxes and Darius the III put into motion to destroy their army at Gaugamela, and seize control of Macedonia. Revenge, pure and simple had been on her mind and she had the perfect plan to subvert Xerxes men.

At twilight, the lunar eclipse began. The sky darkened masking Alexander's men as they advanced. Perched on a parapet, she watched as one by one Xerxes men fell under the cover of complete darkness. By the end of the eclipse, none of Darius the III or Xerxes men remained. Their blood soaked the sand, and traveled down the Tigris river.

Yes, her version of revenge had been sweet and satisfying.

The orgy which followed the battle had been hedonistic. The sharing of male and female flesh, decadent. Writhing with the wave of arousal and sexual energy flowing through the ornate tent in the middle of the desert, amplified all of her abilities. They ate and drank from the flesh, while fucking at leisurely paces. She thrived with Alexander. Became a master manipulator with Alexander. Though she saw his death the day she joined him, she'd not change a single minute of their existence together. The lessons she learned. The fears she vanquished, were all due in very large part to him. The last time she left his tent, three weeks before his death, he wished her well. “In this life and the next,” she whispered, then took her leave....