Second Chances 1.41

Viggo and Scheherezade advanced on horseback through the great streets of Athens (Attica) until they reached the cape that entered the sea. The great expanse of land that had become the most prosperous port in all of Greece, where every day more than a hundred ships docked coming from all regions. In many respects, it was a huge market more than one kilometre wide by five kilometres long. The streets were between 10 and 15 meters wide, with awnings on both sides of the road. Which were occupied by the merchants who brought their products and offered them at the top of their lungs; Grapes and Wine of Masalia. Marble from Rome. Fish and Salt from Cartago. Wheat from Sicily. Beautiful Fabrics and Carpets of Alexandria, on the other side of the sea. Pigs from the neighboring city, Megaride and Vessels of Corinth.

Viggo held the reins firmly as the horse dodged people. At the same time, Scheherezade was clinging against his back feeling the pleasant body heat, listening to the seagulls and the movement of the waves. As they were close to the sea, the sea breeze increased the feeling of cold. However, hugging Viggo felt like being surrounded by sunlight. At least, that's what Scheherezade believed.

-Viggo- Scheherezade say -Do you think it's a good idea to do the marble business?-

-Well, let's say marble turns a beautiful statue into a divine work- said Viggo looking at the road ahead and trying to avoid bumping passers -but each statue has its own details. The ship moves a lot on the high seas, so I think, they want to prevent the material from spoiling or at least, not receive the losses-

-I understand, but you know... I don't like that guy who ordered the marble from Semiramis-

-How is that?-

-I don't know, it's just a feeling in my heart. When he looked at me, he makes me want to run away. However, Semiramis said that one must put aside one's prejudices if one wants to do business-

-You and Semiramis are two different people. Listen to your instincts and never neglect them. If you feel that you are in danger, run away-

Scheherezade nodded with a small smile, closed his eyes, and rubbed his cheek on Viggo's back. It was such a relaxing feeling that she stood still without saying anything else. For his part, Viggo continued to drive his horse through the streets of the port of Piraeus, until he turned into a corner on the right and advanced towards the north port, in front of the Island of Salamis.

As they approached the port, the wind was stronger and the waves louder. Viggo saw at the end of the street four large statues 3 meters high. They were placed on great walls and distributed in two on each side. All four were of wise men in long robes who had intellectual expressions while the intention in their gaze was as if they wanted to convince you of something. At the end of the road was the harbor, with a large dark wooden ship attached to the shore. It had the sail collected and several men were seen carrying all kinds of vessels inside the ship through a walkway that connected the pier with the deck. On one side of the ship was a dark-haired woman wearing a long black dress with golden edges that reached up to her knees(quiton). She carried a sword in a sheath tied to his waist as he looked at Viggo with a frown. At the same time, a young man in his 20s on her right side was saying something to her.

Viggo rushed through and saw the dark-haired woman point to the ship with her hand and send the young man to work with the rest. The young man turned around and left to do what he was told.

-You're late- was the first thing the dark-haired woman said in a tone of reproach when Viggo was ten meters away. Her voice sounded captivating, half sensual and half ironic.

-What can I say?- Viggo say with a sly smile -it was a little late on the road. You know, I passed through Corinth and had a lot to look at-

The woman gave a loud snort, crossed her arms accentuating her breasts and frowned in anger - hurry up and leave your horse with one of my men - she said - they will dispatch him to the stable and after that we will leave.

-As you say- Viggo replied in a relaxed manner, which made the woman even more angry. She turned around and walked to the catwalk to climb to deck as her long dark hair swayed from side to side.

Viggo got off the horse and looked at Scheherezade. He stretched out his arms to receive her and she leaned on his firm hands. He takes her by the hip and lower her to the ground. However, once she put her feet off the ground, she did not let go of Viggo. She stared at him, Viggo looked back at her. They stayed like this for a minute, as if they had a secret conversation, and then they let go. Viggo smiled, approached, and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. The veil obstructed the sensation of the skin, but the intention was. Scheherezade smiled pleased and made her veil to the side. She was the one who approached and gave him a kiss on the corner of his lips. There were no words, just flirtatious looks. She walked away from Viggo to get on the boat and every few meters she turned her face to look at him. Viggo just stood there touching the corner of his lip and thinking about how unreal Scheherezade's kiss was. The latter, seeing Viggo with an expression of longing, let out a chuckle that was like the laughter of an angel. Many of the sailors heard her and stared at her, as Scheherezade climbed the catwalk with her sensual hips.

Viggo let out a sigh and looked at one of the sailors -Elian- said in a strong tone -please take the horse to the stables-

A man of sturdy appearance and great stature departed from the group that carried the vessels inside the ship –immediately, it has been a time, brat– he replied.

-And let you say it- replied Viggo. Elian took the reins of the horse and took it away. At the same time, several men of the crew passed by greeting Viggo. After greeting everyone, Viggo boarded the ship and only found Scheherezade looking at a scroll.

Viggo approached her and asked -Why is Semiramis doing bad?-

-About that, you'd better ask her- Scheherezade replied with a small smile.

-Ok, there we will see if she wants to say something, do I help you in something?-

-Not for now, I just have something to review some things-

Viggo nodded and turned his face to look at the stern. At the back of the ship was the captain's cabin with a single access door. On the sides of the cabin there were stairs that led to a wooden floor sheltered by a handrail. Semiramis was standing looking at everyone with the attention of an eagle. Evaluating the performance of its sailors and ensuring that nothing was lost. She was leaning on handrails as the sea breeze rocked her hair. Undoubtedly, its features and proportions were a source of inspiration for poets.

In the strict sense of the word, Semiramis and Scheherezade were princesses, or rather, Semiramis must have become the chief wife of a prince of Persia, across the sea. But for some unknown reason she was here in Greece, doing trade with Scheherezade. Viggo had his own secrets, so he never asks about those of others. However, he had to admit that both women were beautiful. Above all, Scheherezade, who both visually and auditorily was interesting.

On the one hand, Semiramis was light-skinned, yellow-pupil eyes, and dark hair like night. Her face was diamond-shaped with delicate features. Above all, his chin looked sexy, without a pisca of fat. Viggo thinking about what he had done with Kiara the other day, had some thoughts about Semiramis. Kissing those thick cherry lips would be a great experience, he thought. Or go down that thin neck and devour those big breasts that she tried to disguise with a fabric that squeezes them. However, they had always had a business relationship, so he shook his head to get those thoughts out of his head.

On the other hand, Scheherezade who was in the center of the ship, was the idyllic vision of lust. Brown complexion and diamond-shaped face. Emerald eyes, languid look, and fleshy lips. Her physique was mysteriously thin (at least her face, neck, shoulder, arms, and stomach). However, the breasts, hips, butt, and thighs were explosive. That is why she wore a robe that covered her completely, since in the first trips it was a constant distraction for sailors.

-Did you look hard enough?- asked Semiramis annoyedly as she looked at the deck.

-Not so much- replied Viggo with a sly smile, walking to her and stopping beside her, resting his hands on the railing, and looking at the sailors who carried the vessels to open gates in the center of the deck, which led to the hold inside the ship.

The two remained silent for a long time, watching as the sailors worked, until Viggo captured the same men who previously spoke to Semiramis. The guy looked at him with resentments because he was standing next to Semiramis or because he was just watching unlike the rest who worked.

-Who is him?- asked Viggo.

Semiramis let out a sigh and said -he's a new boy, he came to work instead of his father who had hurt his back. Is... willful-

-And flirtatious?- asked Viggo jokingly. However, Semiramis nodded seriously. Viggo smiled uncomfortably and asked her -Do you like him?-

-No!- replied Semiramis raising her voice, all the sailors stopped their movement and stared at her. Semiramis blushed and told them -go back to your thing-

-Yes- they all replied in chorus and resumed the carrying of the vessels.

Semiramis leaned on the railing and said -no, Viggo, I don't like it. I have told him to exhaustion to stop insinuating himself to me, but he keeps saying that he is in love with me-

Viggo raised his shoulders in indifference and said -he is young, you are young, why not?-

-It's not that easy- Semiramis replied in an annoying tone -besides, you're just a child ¿What do you know about love?-

-So, why are you giving me explanations?-

Semiramis bent his gaze and said in a low voice -I don't want you to tell the queen that I'm flirting with someone, do I think?-

-In two years, I've never meddled in your affairs, I don't think I will right now-

-But if she asks you-

-It's not my business, Semiramis, you can do whatever you want. Just try not to let this pass you the bill in the future-

-No- Semiramis murmured -never again in life. No other-

Viggo refused and watched as the sailors carried all the merchandise to the hold and closed the floodgates in the center of the ship's deck. Once everything was in place, Semiramis ordered to set sail for Ceos Island while a strong breeze waved her long hair dark as night. She seemed serious in what she had said, but in matters of the heart little can command the head, Viggo thought. Although of course, he also thought about what Semiramis said and understood that he was right ¿What does he know about love?

Once they moved away from the Cape of Athens, they went into the sea and saw in the distance an island of white sand beaches. At the same time, they saw three ships coming in their direction, to which Semiramis looked at Viggo, who was sitting on the railing as the sea breeze waved his blood-red hair.

-Any problems with those ships?- asked Semiramis.

Viggo smiled looking at the sunset on the horizon and said -no, I don't feel anything. They are only merchants-

-That good- replied Semiramis as she looked at Viggo in the background. He seemed one of the funniest enjoying the trip, but she still twisted her stomach from thinking about fighting pirates in the middle of the sea. Dying was her least concern, even a relief. However, if she were to be left alive and fall from grace, in addition to losing Scheherezade and the ship, it would be the end of the world.

On the other hand, with some luck from the gods, the hetera queen found her when she first arrived in Greece and proposed that she be her merchant. Semiramis at that time clung to that like a castaway cling to a board in the middle of the sea. Now that she thinks about it, why do accept so easily? She always asks the same question, and, in the end, she thinks it was destiny. It was bad enough to have been a repudiated queen at such a young age. Somehow life had to balance the scales.