I sighed and began to follow after the woman. Juleppa led me through the front and up a flight of stairs, towards a room filled with everything a woman could ask for. There were vases filled with fresh flowers and silken sheets on a feather mattress. A bath had been drawn for me, already, and within it, I noticed long opaque petals, which appeared pearly in the light. The scent permeated the air all around me, and I found myself smiling contently. Growing to love this man may never happen, but I was happy to see my life could be somewhat enjoyable, even if I was forced into an engagement I never wanted or asked for. This would be my new home, and I would have to grow accustomed to it, one way or another.

  Juleppa looked me over, again, and scowled, as if I were some sort of parasite she was dreading to handle.

  "Shall I undress on my own?" I inquired hesitantly.

  Juleppa gave a shudder and stepped towards me. I readied myself for a rough handling, and I assumed she intended to make this the least enjoyable experience as possible.

  "No, put your arms up, Daejian," she ordered. I wondered it was customary to treat the betrothed of the king the same as they would a common slave but decided it best not to discuss it further, as my arms fluttered upward. Juleppa surprisingly chose not to handle me with the ferocity that I expected, and instead, removed my clothing with easy motions. She waved me towards the water and gave a nod. "Bathe. You will have to look the part, if you intend on keeping his attentions for long."

  I wondered if Juleppa had done this enough times, with enough women, to grow used to Xenocrates' appetites. It dawned on me that she must have known not to leave marks on me, so as to not cause herself any trouble in her lordship's eyes. There were many things to weigh in this situation, and I knew not what to consider first. While I had been told of the truth of House Thessaly, I still could not register such as being true. Melina and Hortis were the only parents I had ever known. To deny the truth of my Daejian heritage was almost as laughable as believing this Juleppa would ever treat me kindly or respect me as a queen. I stepped into the water and eased myself downward. It was warm and pleasant, giving me instant relief from the aches I had acquired from going overboard. There were minor bruises and markings running down my legs, and as Juleppa's gaze caught them, she gave a sneer. I wonder if it was in disgust, due to my appearance, or in joy, from my being in pain. It was to my advantage that I knew something of the Pretan beliefs, and as I looked back at her, I grinned widely.

  "Oh, you see my battle wounds? Yes, I acquired them like a warrioress, and I shall not be treated as anything less. Tell me, do you have any scars of merit, woman?" I asked her in a commanding tone.

  Juleppa looked downward and huffed. It was obvious from her body language that she felt of lower station in the instant I spoke, and she turned to walk away, leaving me to the other servants who stood around the tub. A brunette girl crossed over to me with a pitcher of water and began to douse my head gently. The water trickled down my neck and slid down my clavicle. I sighed and leaned back, with a smile playing upon my lips.

  "Would mistress desire any wine?" the girl asked as she proceeded to lather my head with a sweet-smelling soap.

  With my eyes closed, I pursed my lips in contemplation. "Hmm, wine, you say? I believe I would drink the entire skin of it, should you bring me any," I stated with a soft giggle. This was more enjoyable than I cared to admit, and Xenocrates seemed to know exactly how to treat a woman. Even with his absence, I felt him ever present in the actions of the servants and the treatment he gave. I wondered if he had requested these things be ready for me, the day he left to fetch me. Why had he not just made a formal request as a king of a country for my hand? He held the station and the incentives I would have vied for, and I knew my father would have agreed. Whatever drove Xenocrates to feel the need to rescue me for their sins, I could not see why he would choose warring over a peaceful resolution. Perhaps that was the truth of what set us apart from the Pretan people. I wondered then, if he had ever considered my hatred of him for taking me from all I knew, or if he presumed I would later find an appreciation for him and the supposed gift he had given me?

  The girl doused my hair once more, and I heard her voice behind me again. "Is it desirable, milady?" she inquired.

  "Indeed, it is. Though, won't the king want my presence soon?" I asked her.

  The girl released my hair and strode away before replying, "His Lordship gave specific instruction to care for you as if you were the queen. I am certain he wants you in his presence in haste," she said, pouring the wine into a goblet and returning to my side to offer it.

  "Do you have names?" I asked both of the girls who were assigned to me.

  The one who had washed my hair and given the wine spoke first. "I am called Althea," she said.

  "And you?" I asked the other girl.

  "Kelina, after the goddess, Kelline," she said.

  I had never heard the name Kelina before, but I did know the Daejian counterpart of the goddess Kelline was Melina. The same name of the woman I had grown up calling mother. I took the goblet and greedily finished off the wine.

  "Well, Kelina and Althea, I am called Caecelia. Please, do call me that."

  Immediately, Athenia shook her head and Alathea peered past me, at her, as if she could read her mind. "Milady, we are slaves in the House. It is uncustomary to refer to the ladies within as anything but milady," she said.

  I huffed in disapproval. "No, please disregard that rule, here, in serving me. I will demand Xenocrates give you that liberty," I stated. I arose to stand and waved for a towel, which they quickly brought to wrap around me, and I stepped out of the bath onto the tiles in wait. They brought bright silk towards me, the color of a perfectly blue sky, and began to fashion it around my body. Golden clips were set at my shoulders, and the sash of the gown was belted off by a line of golden clips with pearls set mid-center. It was an amazingly beautiful array, and I smiled to myself as Kelina began fretting with my hair. She plaited it and sat a golden crown atop my head. It was a simple band that came over my forehead and sat nestled within my locks. Seemingly appreciative of their work, Kelina and Althea stepped back and waved towards the door. I was nervous, so much so, that my stomach began to wretch and turn as I sauntered outside. It seemed as if the guards had been waiting like clockwork, and they motioned for me to follow them, as soon as I stepped within the corridor. The palace was expansive, and I was shocked that my walk through the corridor led me straight towards Xenocrates' chamber.

  "Wait here," the guards directed, and I folded my hands as they entered the room. Moments later, Xenocrates exited with the guards in tow and peered over me satisfactorily.

  "Just as I thought. You appear as a proper Pretan bride should. Let us commence the festivities," he said, offering his arm.

  There was no possible way for me to escape this, and it seemed he had everything arranged far sooner than I had expected. I sighed and slid my arm into his. It seemed my duty was set in stone, and it was either agree or be cast into bondage, I feared would be a fate almost worse than death.

  A Feast Fit for a King

  Xenocrates and I sauntered into the banquet hall to the sounds of welcoming banter and loud clapping. I recognized the faces of a few of the men from the voyage and spotted Livania filling wine goblets. Juleppa sat at the table end nearest to where I stood and frowned as she glanced in my direction. Whatever the woman thought of me, I knew immediately, she and I were never going to be the sort of companions Xenocrates wished us to be. He released my arm and threw both of his hands into the air.

  "Men and women of Pretus!" He began, "I welcome you to my coming home banquet, but I must make an announcement that gives me great pleasure. I, your king, have found myself a woman to take to wife!" He looked back at me and waved me forward, grabbing my hand, as soon as I stepped up beside him, and raising it into the air before the guests. "Meet your future queen; Caecelia of House Servili!" he announced.

  The room erupted into cheers and clapping, which brought me a great deal of humiliation. The attention was overwhelming, and I found myself feeling faint, almost instantly. Xenocrates looked back at me and ushered me forward. In the center of the hall was a long table, which had been prepared for us to sup at. I sat and quickly motioned for Livania to come fill my goblet. I wanted nothing more than to drink myself into an oblivious state. Intoxication was something I felt would soothe both my worries and my mind.

  Xenocrates leaned in and whispered against my ear, "Caecelia, it is my utmost desire for you to come to enjoy yourself here. To see that I was your liberator and not your captor, for here, you are amongst your own people, in the place you belong, fulfilling your birthright."

  "I cannot force my mind to accept what you say, Xenocrates. All I have ever known is the Daejian way, and the only family I have ever believed in, you ripped away. How you expect me to enjoy myself here is something I cannot fathom. Forgive me, if I am not celebratory during your engagement banquet," I stated. As I looked back at him, I noticed that he held a flicker of pain in his eyes. Perhaps the truth was he wanted me to come to love him, in time, and my words stung deeply as he realized I would never be Alassea of Thessaly. Perhaps in a life he knew, but in my eyes, I was never going to be that girl. I was Caecelia of Servili, daughter of Hortis and Melina. And while he could force my hand to be his, only I could determine if I came to love him as a woman would her husband. The one thing Xenocrates could not control was the only thing he seemed to want the most; possession of my heart. I could not be forced to love him, and he seemed to understand my rationale at that moment.

  "True as that may be, Caecelia, I assure you that, in time, you will come to accept it. You really have no other choice." He folded his arms across his chest and regarded me with a smirk.

  I frowned, and shaking my head, I looked out at the guests. The women of Pretus were rumored to compete in sports alongside the men, and I could see from the expressions on most of their faces that I was not fit to be their queen. It sent a jolt of anger through me as I pondered upon their presumptions. Did they think I was weak, simply because of my raising? In time, Xenocrates had said, and yet, if his people's appearances were any indication, I was never going to be Pretan, even if I was by birthright. I brought the goblet to my lips and savoured a great deal of wine as a momentary escape from this new world and my engagement. Xenocrates looked away, and I caught Juleppa staring at him from a distance. An epiphany took hold of me, as I realized that she must have feelings for the man. Perhaps that was the stem of her dislike of me. I could not imagine why she had treated me with such disdain, moments after being introduced, save for a woman's envy of another. All around me, it seemed the world was set against me, and somehow, I was to be the queen of this place. I turned to Xenocrates and pondered on something that had just occurred to me.

  "Xenocrates, is it not true that Pretus holds two kings?" I asked.

  He looked back at me and perked a brow, as if fascinated by my knowledge of the things I obviously knew.

  "Aye, that is so. While one king leads our warriors into battle, another maintains the kingdom in his stead. It is our way since Ligeri's days. I'm sure you have heard of these legends," Xenocrates retorted.

  "Forgive my ignorance, Your Highness, but does this other king have a name?" I asked. There was a hint of venom in my voice that I was certain he suspected.

  "Does it satisfy some part of your devious mind to line your words with such potent venom, Caecelia?" Xenocrates asked in lieu of giving me an answer to my questions.

  "Perhaps, but is it not true that I should know the basics of the country's government, if I am to be Queen of Pretus?" I asked.

  "A queen of Pretus, Caecelia, not the queen. I can see you are a woman who wishes to know of the politics of your country and so, for the practical purpose you have suggested, the answer is yes. The king is Arin I, who has just gone to Daeja on the second campaign to begin rebuilding of the country," Xenocrates murmured.

  "And his queen?" I asked curiously.

  "She sits directly across from you, Caecelia." He leaned forward and nodded towards a woman who was sitting at the table across from us. She was a beautiful woman with dark brown hair that was fashioned in ringlets that framed her face. Dressed in fine red silk with gold trimming, it was obvious she wore her title proudly. I wondered if I would ever be as capable a queen because these women made it seem flawless and simple.

  "Her name is Eyris," Xenocrates finished.

  "Queen Eyris," I repeated softly.

  He gave a slight nod. "Yes, Queen Eyris, wife of King Arin I. As you shall be Queen Caecelia, wife of Xenocrates I." He gave a cocky grin as soon as the words 'wife of Xenocrates' left his lips.

  I pursed my lips and decided to continue my queries. "Is it not true that Pretan soldiers are not allowed time with their families, save after their thirtieth birthdays?" I asked.

  "Yes, it is true. We have found it best to follow the Ligerian Constitution. It has worked in keeping our men steadfast, strong, and proud," he replied.

  "And the women are fond of this tradition?" I asked.

  "Women in Pretus know there is a reason, and purpose for our methods. Every child born to Pretus belongs to the state. Boys are trained in combat from young ages, and weak infants are done away with at the moment of their births," he stated.

  Appalled by this revelation, my mouth flew agape. "You murder infants?" I asked.

  "Put them out of their misery, but, yes," he stated, as if the matter was completely normal and not menacing in the least.

  "What makes Pretus any better than the barbarians of the north?" I asked. It seemed to me, the Daejian ways overtaking the country might be to their benefit.

  "We are a far cry better than those men. To compare us to them is the same as cursing me, and I will not have it," Xenocrates warned.

  I scoffed in response. "You murder newborn babies. Do you bathe in the blood of innocents and drink the blood of your dead, as well? Putridity is what I call it," I said.

  "You are most certainly a testy female, Caecelia, but no matter. Tomorrow morning, we shall be wed, and you will learn to accept being Pretan. You are now mine, but I see you are not so festive tonight. Not to worry, Sass. You should go back to your chamber now. I hear a bride needs her rest before her new wedded life begins."

  He lifted his goblet and waved a hand to the guards, leaving me to widen my eyes as they came to stand on either side of me. I shook my head and stood up, pushing my seat back and turning to walk out of the banquet hall. Queen Eyris watched me with a knowing look as I strode out. I gave a side glance as I passed her, making certain our eyes made contact. The treatment I received from the Pretans was both baffling and confusing. In my country, another woman of nobility would have greeted one of her peers, but Eyris appeared to be unimpressed, just as Juleppa had been. The guards followed behind me at a safe distance, and I decided to engage them in conversation.

  "Do you do everything King Xenocrates bids you to do, or is it balanced between himself and King Arin's queen in his stead?" I asked.

  The men both looked at me and shook their heads. "We do as the royals bid us, for the betterment of Pretus—all of them," the one on my left stated.

  "I see, and while King Arin is gone, who makes the majority of the decisions?" I asked.

  "King Xenocrates and Queen Eyris make them, when he is unable. You will be another for us to abide, after your wedding, but only as soon as your loyalty to Pretus is secured," he replied. "Now move forward; the king has requested we see you to your quarters." He pointed forward.

  I twirled about face and increased my speed as I carried myself down the hall. They expected me to make allegiance to the country which had kidnapped me from my home. My engagement had been announced, and I had played the part of the pretty bride-to-be, and yet, now, they expected allegiance? I would never swear a vow of loyalty to a country that killed infants. How could I have been born to these beastly people? It was just not possible. There was no feasible way I could belong to such a class of human beings—if they were even to be titled human beings.

  "Yes, yes, I know. We mustn't disappoint the king, now, must we?" I asked sarcastically. In the morning, I was to become the secondary queen of Pretus, the consort and chosen wife of Xenocrates I, a man I had come to loathe and desire in the same aspect. How it was possible to desire the beast I despised was something I could not comprehend or explain myself, and yet, it was.

  "It is not our place to direct your thoughts, but disrespecting Lord Xenocrates is not in your favor. It is my recommendation that you come to accept what is, you can begin with a token of gratitude. It is not every day a Daejian wench is chosen for the Pretan crown," he stated.

  I could sense he found it disappointing that I had been chosen for such, and it only added to my own aggravation. Was it not enough that I lusted the bastard they thought was too good to wed me? Damn me for those feelings and him for sparking them. I balled up my fists at my sides and stormed out of the chamber. Quickly, I begin creating as much distance between His Majesty and myself so that the walk seemed to pass like a blur. As I arrived at my room, I opened the door in haste, quickly crossing the threshold with a hurried slam of my door, a sigh slipping free from my lips as soon as I fell on the bed.

  "Respect your captor, Caecelia. Learn to love your position, Caecelia. Pledge loyalty to Pretus, Caecelia. All hail, Queen Caecelia of Pretus!" I proclaimed to the stone ceiling above me. It would be a restless night, I knew, but as the king had suggested, it was best for me to sleep. What man would wish to marry a woman with the appearance of a haggard witch from lack of rest? I shifted atop the mattress and drifted off into a light slumbering dream, a dream filled with my childhood and the only place I had ever known as home.

  An Allegiance of Convenience

  The sound of my chamber door creaking open was what I awoke to, the next morning. The early rays of the sun were just beginning to filter through the windows. My eyes peeled open, and rolling to my side, I peeked out from beneath the veil of tousled locks that otherwise kept my face from view. Kelina and Althea both approached me with smiling faces, and I grimaced in realization. Today was the day I was to marry him. Each of the servants began to prepare dressing me for the event. Kelina laid out my clothing and Althea prepared the bath. I sighed and pushed myself up to stand. A frown had taken residence on my face and it had yet to move since I had arisen, and with the knowledge of what was coming, I knew it was likely to remain for a while,

 

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