Carnaxa doesn't know it, but I've watched her these past few weeks. I watched her in her own palace of course, which proved difficult when she was constantly running off into the city or away to her chambers where I wasn't allowed. I had my own things to do during the months I was in Antalis. I found more soldiers to add to my rank, some sanctioned by King Clennom, some not. I lied as I answered questions about the wedding ceremony I knew would never happen in Antalis. But most importantly, I watched her. I wanted to see who she was when she thought no one was watching.
I didn’t want to get to know her, I didn’t want to form a connection. I intentionally avoided putting myself in situations with her that would require more intimate conversation than I was willing to be a part of. She was just supposed to be a means to an end. Then at the beach, I didn’t mean to run into her. I was out there concerned about my own problems, and there she was and she was upset. I tried to make her laugh, and I’m still not sure why, I ached to see the smile she so often bestowed on others. Then it was time to go.
Since our journey started she's not been too far from my sight. Despite what everyone thinks, I know her guard is in love with her, that much is obvious, it's why I didn't want him coming along. He shouldn't have been allowed to, but alas, my hands were tied. It's also not uncommon for people to mysteriously die in my land and accidents do happen. I don’t want his feelings for Carnaxa to get in the way of what I have to do when we return home, for all of our sakes.
Despite the fact that I thought she would run off on our journey to Midaeliea, her curiosity getting the best of her,Carnaxa has stayed close to her companions and hasn’t done anything out of the ordinary. It almost makes me hate what will become of her in Shaston. I know the men who travel with us want a taste of her. My men are ruthless and don’t care about her title, only the pleasure they’ll find with her. They probably expect to have their way with her, but I can't let that happen. I once thought I would, it's not like I haven't let them have captives before, but this is different. She's different. I won’t let that happen to her, and I’ve already started trying to spread the word that she’s off limits.
I watched as she was greeted by the people of Midaeliea and how she embraced them. Watching Carnaxa fidget and forget the royals’ names would have made even the darkest hearts smile, and I couldn't help but want to save her from the blunder. The Princess of Antalis is a great blessing for those of Midaeliea. They tolerate Shaston, but they love Antalis, considering most Antalian priestesses come here for training. Sometimes it seems as though Midaeliea and Antalis are of the same kingdom, even though their kingdoms’ respective lands look different, their cultures are similar, yet there are borders that separate the two.
Midaelieans are raised in forests and along streams. Their homes are simple, made from the trunks of the trees that surround them. Midaeliea does not fight within itself, having even less crime than Antalis. Queen Natala and King Elino are two people I would consider friends, even though I know what is coming. They won't be able to put up a fight when my father’s plans come to pass; they will have to bow or be conquered. These are all Father's plans, which are my plans regardless of how I feel about them, hemade mesee things his way.
There is a reason my father sends me in his place to the other kingdoms of the continent. I may be an asshole, but my father is a different monster entirely. I've heard elders of Shaston whisper about how every child of our bloodline becomes ashateful as the man who sired them. One day, I will become just like him if I’m not already. I will become a monster if that’s what it takes to save her. Everything I do is to protect her.
Carnaxa will have to keep herself meek and mild in order to stay on my father's good side. A side that not many of us are able to see if you can even call it a good side. I'm his only son, and yet I know the lengths he will go to break a person.
“She will be a beauty to watch ride, “ a soldier says. Two soldiers stand outside my door before they notice I'm walking toward them. He shuts his mouth quickly when he finally sees me and shuffles to appear taller.
“Who are we speaking of?” I ask, stopping in front of him, staring him down.
His too-wide eyes are a mix of green and brown as he tries not to meet my gaze. He coughs, clearing his throat. “No ... no one, my Prince.”
“No please, I love to talk of women riding, I would just like to know who we are speaking of. Is it one of the women here? If so, I would certainly like to give her a try.”
I've not had anyone for years, but the one who waits for me back home, I don't want anyone else. It's why the men believe I’m accustomed to sharing women, assuming I would share the woman who frequents my bed, but I'm too possessive for that. The women who have been seen with me, never truly make it to my bed. I often encourage them to tell my men their company is a gift from me. I can’t imagine my heart with another, someone else hearing her moans of pleasure. She is the only one with whom I want to fall into bed with at night. At least, she was.
“He was speaking of your betrothed, Princess Carnaxa,” the blonde, young, stocky boy beside him says. He is new to the guard, but showed promise in Shaston’s fighting ring so he got to make the trip with us.
“Interesting,” I say derisively. Unwarranted rage fills me and I look toward the man with lewd thoughts of Carnaxa. Before he realizes what I'm doing, I grab his throat and shove him against the wall. I close my fingers around his jugular, his breath starts to come in shallow takes. “Princess Carnaxa ismineand as such, will be riding only me. Please take note and do not speak of her like that again, she is not a whore, she is to be your queen consort. This is your one and only offense as I realize I am a man who will usually share a woman. They are nothing more than pockets of warmth for me at night, but you would be wise to remember your place. And you would be wise to remember she will bemywife.”
His eyes bulge and sweat beads down on his brow before I release him. He drops to the ground coughing and gasping for air. Kicking his booted feet out of my way, I look toward the younger one who visibly cringes, and I warn him, “They’ll beat you for being a tattle-tale, you should prepare yourself.” His face pales, but it’s the only kindness I’ll show him.
Slamming the door shut behind me, I throw a vase across the dark room. How dare the men so openly speak of her in such a way. We've traveled only a few days. Do they think that no one will notice here in Midaeliea, if she is used?
Running my hand through my beard, I lean down putting my palms on my knees. I have got to get a handle on myself. I don’t understand the anger that floods me, she will be my wife, but that doesn’t mean anything, not in Shaston. My mother was proof that many lack respect toward a titled woman. I clench my fist trying to find my breath, trying to tame the fury inside.
What is happening? I shouldn't care, I don't care. But then I see her eyes flash inside my mind and remember the day I met her and the pull I felt — it was a pull I've not felt in some time.
The people of Antalis whisper about twin drops, but the Shastonians have no such notion. Many marry because they areforced to or because it will advance their family’s status. A few I have learned are married for love, but twin drops don't happen in my kingdom. A cruel way in which the Goddess made sure we realized how cursed we truly are, even her drops burn in this heat.
I light a candle next to the doorframe now that I have caught my breath. The emotions that floored me while I was with Carnaxa were the same I felt the nightshecame into my life, unprecedented and leaving me in a state of uncertainty.
Seven Lunar Years Ago
“A son of mine should know how to handle a woman properly. You are a man now and I've already heard rumors that you have yet to have a woman. I won't have that. It’s a sign of weakness, as though something is wrong with you. Something wrong with your ability to produce an heir?” my father snaps as he walks in. His dark hair matches his soulless eyes and matching black outfit. He’s dressed in his normal apparel of black leathers, heavy boots and a black, long sleeve tunic with his cape and matching hood. “So now, I found one for you.”
He drags a woman around my age in. Her hands are bound by obsidian chains in front of her, and her dark sable brown hair falls in loose waves around her face. Dirt and mud cover her honey-beige skin, at least I hope it's mud. She smells of her travels here — the sea sickness that takes many on their trip to Midaeliea, the mud they climb through to get past the patrols and into pass. If Midaeliea knew we smuggled in prisoners, they would call it an act of war since we use their land to get people here.
Blood coats her in places across her arms and down her wrists where the chains dig in. But her eyes, the almond-shaped pools of dark brown with hints of gold catch my attention. I can't look away and neither does she. Father pulls the rope he holds connecting to her chains causing her to stumble, but her eyes never falter and her head remains high. He hasn't used the obsidian chains on many, she must have put up a fight. “Here is a toy. She's untouched by anyone in Shaston, at least that's what I was told. She's from one of the southern kingdoms, I didn’t ask which.”
He runs his finger across her bottom lip and smiles. “If she doesn't please you ... I'll add her to my harem. I think she would be a beautiful addition after a bath.” She pulls her face from his grasp. He tosses the rope to me, turns, and slaps her across the face. Her neck snaps to the left and a single trail of blood slides from her lower lip. Fury floods my veins and I ball my hand in a fist to keep it from connecting with my father's jaw. Something I would absolutely suffer for later.
“Make him a man, or it'll be me riding you. I promise I won't be as gentle.” He takes a step toward the door, but before he exits, he turns back to badger me, “And Ereon, don’t disappoint me. You won’t have a second chance. I’ll have guards outside.” His black cape trails around him as he walks out the door.
Dropping the rope, I immediately run to the young woman, trying to check her face. Pushing her hair back, my fingers feel the heat from the slap.
“Get your hands off me,” she yells. “I can take care of myself.” She pushes against my chest, the best she can with her hands chained.
I walk to the other side of the room, grabbing a rag from the basin on the table. “I'm not trying to hurt you, let me help.” I hold my hands up and show her the washcloth.
