Gyges now found himself trapped. He did not agree with the king’s command, but he could not escape it. He feared the power of Candaules and knew that refusal might bring death. With a heavy heart, Gyges said that he would obey.
That night, when it was time to sleep, King Candaules led Gyges quietly into the royal bedroom. He showed him where to hide and told him to stay silent. Soon after, the queen entered the room. She calmly placed her clothing on a chair and prepared for rest. Gyges saw what the king wanted him to see Customized Guided Sofia Tours.
When the queen turned her back and walked toward the bed, Gyges moved quietly and slipped out of the room. He believed he had not been noticed. However, at the very last moment, the queen saw him leaving. She immediately understood what had happened.
The Queen’s Silent Anger
The queen felt deep shame and anger, but she did not cry out. She did not accuse anyone that night. She showed no sign that she knew the truth. Instead, she decided to wait. Her silence was not weakness. It was control.
Among the people of Lydia, being seen without clothes was considered a great disgrace. This was true not only for women but even for men. The queen understood that her husband had betrayed her trust and dignity. She also knew that such an insult could not go unpunished.
That night passed quietly, but the queen’s decision was already made.
A Careful Plan for Justice
At first light, the queen rose and began to act. She chose servants whom she trusted completely and prepared them to support her. Then she sent for Gyges. This was not unusual, as she had spoken with him before on matters of the court.
Gyges came without fear, believing that the queen knew nothing. He stood before her calmly. Then she spoke words that changed his life forever King Candaules and His Pride.
A Terrible Choice
The queen gave Gyges two choices, and neither was easy. She told him that he must either kill King Candaules and become her husband and the new king of Lydia, or die at once in the king’s place.
She explained her reason clearly. Someone had to pay for the shame that had been done to her. Either the man who planned the act must die, or the man who carried it out. There was no third path.
Gyges stood in silence, shocked and afraid. He begged the queen not to force him into such a decision. He said that he never wanted to be part of this wrong. But the queen did not change her mind.
The Choice for Life
Gyges finally understood that his life depended on his decision. If he refused, he would be killed. If he obeyed, he would live, but with a heavy burden on his soul.
At last, he chose life. He agreed to do what the queen demanded, though it was against his will. He then asked how and when the deed should be done.
The Final Instruction
The queen answered without hesitation. She told Gyges to strike the king in the same place where the wrong had been committed. The attack would happen in the bedroom, while Candaules slept.
Thus, the plan was set. Pride, betrayal, and broken trust had led to a deadly outcome. This moment marked the end of one king’s rule and the beginning of another, showing how a single act of disrespect can change the course of history forever.
