The Old Realms - Chapter 105

Grimdux

I. This is the direct sequel to Touch O' Luck

 Touch O' Luck

II) It serves as a prologue to the Old Realms series.

It will be a superior reading experience

to start this story from the beginning

Please give it a good rating if you liked it, it will help the story reach a much bigger audience:)

Chapter specific maps of the realms 

Maps of the Realms

Princess Elsanne Eikenaar

Whatever fate has in store for us

“She proposed what?” Elsanne snapped, head twisting around sharp enough to make her neck hurt and her breasts bounce all over the place, inside her loose nightgown. The material on it too thin to even be considered a garment, but still the heat of this cursed place was making her sweat like a very fat pig every night for the past two months.

Two months of hell.

There was no working around the chasm that she had encountered in her personal life. Elsanne had slowly turned into a paranoid creature, she barely recognized, suspecting every single slave of malice and there were more than a lot of them. Those she trusted were counted in the fingers of one hand. Not the guards, not Radin, especially not him. She glared at the man, the Prince extremely frustrated as she hadn’t let him touch her much during this period.

And we just came out of winter, she thought. Even her sense of time, was corrupted. Nothing was familiar, nothing.

“Vynia suggested, very magnanimously I might add, to share your bed with us, offering hers in return. A way to come together, as a loving family.”

Elsanne blinked, a vein throbbing on her temple ominously. “Didn’t I tell you not to talk with her?”

“Come on, wife. Be reasonable.”

“I inform you, this was me being reasonable, husband,” Elsanne countered, then puffed a white curl out of her face and glared at him. “Now, just to be clear. Why would I want her anywhere near my bed?”

“You’re reading too much into—”

She stopped him raising her hand. “Tell her, if I find her anywhere near my bedroom, I’ll slit her throat with your silver dagger.”

The Prince frowned. “Good grief, stop this nonsense!”

“Ahm, no… I won’t.”

“Elsanne seriously, this has gone… wait, what dagger?”

“The one with the four rubies on the handle.”

“Where did you find—?”

“The armory. Stop changing the subject!” She snapped cutting him off again, before he’d the chance to finish.

“I’m not… how in Uher’s grace, did you manage to get into the armory? The place is fucking locked!”

Elsanne blinked at the language.

“I used a key,” She admitted.

“Who gave…?”

Jasi.

“I found it in the laundry.”

Radin sighed desperately.

“The Prince’s consorts are not allowed in the armory, sweet wife.”

“I was only there for a second. Nobody noticed,” She deadpanned. “Now, inform your slutty other wife, her offer is rejected.”

“Elsanne! I’ve had enough of this! Vynia is an innocent soul, stop attacking her!” Radin barked losing his temper.

“Pfft. I’ve met whores more decent than her.”

“You’ve never met a whore in your life, wife.”

He’d a point there, but still, a case could be made for Vynia.

“This conversation is over,” She announced and then looked towards the door of her bedroom knowingly, hoping he’ll get the message and trot away.

“I will decide that, dear,” Radin warned her, his patience running thin. The truth of it was, had he not the problem of the Horselords occupying Jadefort, he’d probably focused all his attention on her. But he just couldn’t. With no men to spare, let alone risk in an attack on the raiders, he’d entered a humiliating truce with them, after days spent hypothesizing on possible, traps, ambushes, night assaults and the like, before coming to the conclusion the best he could do was bid his time and wait for more men to arrive.

Or the war to end soon.

Two months later no one had, so soon turned into a fallacy and despite his efforts to recruit men from the other Forts, the promise of plunder and the big battles coming, outshined hunting down elusive Horselords in the arse end of the Khanate. The not so elusive Horselords in turn, had demanded supplies twice per month to stay on their side of Dragontoe and stop raiding towards Dia.

Elsanne would have asked for gold in their stead, or say Vynia. Have her take one for the team, she thought. Or several. She doesn’t seem to mind crowds.

Is Radin expecting an answer to that? Haha.

Here’s your darn answer!

“Don’t expect me to obey anytime soon. And don’t dear me, you duplicitous snake!” She blasted him and the Prince closed his eyes, having reached his limit for the day.

“What about the second part of her offer?” Radin countered wearily. “We could use her bed, spare yours the indignity, that’s reasonable.”

“Have you lost your mind? Why would I want to sleep with your other wife? In her bed, or any bed?”

“I meant us together. It is common practice! Helps alleviate pressure. My big brother has three wives! The Gold Leopard four!”

You have a lovely family.

Or you’re lying.

“Haha! That’s your bloody argument? Hmm, let me ponder on it then!” The Princess pouted, pretending she did, for a brief moment. “Bah, it’s a no again. Sorry.”

“She’s an excellent lover, wife,” Radin said, going another way. Elsanne flinched, the lewd image of them together stomach turning and went about searching her bedroom frantically, looking into drawers, pulling stuff out and even going under her bed. “Naossis arse, what are you doing?” The Prince yelled after a couple of moments, sounding exasperated.

“I can’t find the darn dagger!” She yelled back at him, then gave him a rare, as much as completely phony smile. “Just keep talking, while I look for it?”

Jasi had a short sheer tunic under an exquisite, gold with red details, open front light-silk robe, Elsanne would have loved to get her hands on. Or his soft white-leather open toe sandals, his pedicured toes painted a deep red that she also loved, but didn’t work as well, with her darker complexion.

“Princess, I couldn’t help but overhear the Prince,” The eunuch started, trending carefully. “Bits and pieces really.”

The Prince had just stormed out of her bedroom and with Elsanne’s quarters being near the kitchen and the armory, quite afar form anyone else’s, she called bullshit on his excuse.

Everyone was eavesdropping in this castle.

With no exceptions.

“Where is Loes?”

“Ahm, I believe she’s looking over the cleaners, Princess.”

Elsanne narrowed her eyes, Jasi taking it the wrong way and trying again.

“Your Grace,” Elsanne raised a thin white brow. “Great Mistress,” He corrected himself yet again.

“Enough.”

“Of course, mistress.”

That great part, was short-lived, she thought. “Vynia wants to share a bed, with me and Radin,” She finally said, walking nervously towards the barred window, the meshed curtain on it letting the sun pour inside her large bedroom, but thankfully, not most of the nasty mosquitos that had started appearing lately.

“Aww, that’s so…” Jasi started to say, caught the furious tick appearing on her left eye, for what it really was and changed his tune mid-sentence. “…unfathomably uncomfortable. How rude!”

“Disgusting!” Elsanne erupted and Jasi nodded, overcome with enthusiasm.

“Undoubtedly, young mistress.”

Elsanne glared at him. Was he playing along with her?

“Great Princess,” The eunuch added quickly, to boast the praise, Elsanne’s angry pout unnerving him completely, sweat droplets appearing on his forehead, small eyes ogling nervously, trying to find something more to enhance it, but failing. “Of Kaltha.” He added with a small shaky voice.

“He thinks talking with her, will help our relationship flourish,” Elsanne said moving on, repeating her husband’s words. “As if I haven’t talked with her aplenty!”

“When was that mistress?” Jasi queried quite interested, wiping his forehead with a perfumed linen handkerchief.

“We greet each other at dinner,” Elsanne said. “Every darn day.”

If anyone else was standing in front of the Princess, but the experienced eunuch, he would’ve rolled his eyes so hard, the white would’ve shown.

“Perhaps it’s not such a bad—”

“I want her removed,” Elsanne blurted out, cutting him off mid-sentence. “What were you saying?”

Jasi cleared his throat, pressing the hankie on his plump chin. “It’s a daring idea, mistress.”

Right? Have her sold away, or something?

It doesn’t have to be all bad.

Vynia could find a better home that will appreciate her whoring skills more?

“Yeah, it’s comforting you’re of the same mind too,” Elsanne murmured. “Can we convince my husband though? Is this a thing, I don’t know… do people solve thus, problems like I face here?”

Jasi looked at her silently for a moment.

“It will be better, if your husband didn’t know, mistress.”

Elsanne frowned.

“How’s that going to work? I mean, won’t he notice?”

“Of course. But it will be too late by then, mistress.”

Right, there’s that of course.

“Hey, you can’t cry over spilt milk,” Elsanne noted and it was Jasi’s turn to frown deeply.

“I would use the black tea she favors, mistress,” He countered, probably not familiar with the phrase, or on a completely different topic.

Hold on a second here.

“You would have her poisoned?” Elsanne asked, more than a little shocked.

“Removed, had a better ring to it, mistress. If I’m allowed to observe,” Jasi replied, with a small smile.

“That’s not what I meant Jasi,” Elsanne hissed. “You have an evil mind. I see Horselords in your future,” She said ominously, reminding him of her threat, that first week they came to knew each other well.

“I pray the mistress is mistaken in her prediction,” The eunuch whispered with a shudder.

“The mistress doesn’t think so.”

Jasi abruptly prostrated himself on her feet, soft hands grabbing her naked ankles, his forehead almost banging on the yellow-marble floor.

“Apologies, your Grace!” The eunuch cried out miserably, eyes set on the floor and heavy sobs quaking his plump body. “Please spare your loyal servant!”

All-Gods help me.

“Get up you fool!” Elsanne hissed, trying to free her feet from his grip and almost toppling backwards. “Let go!”

“Yes, I will go immediately, mistress,” Jasi said, sounding better than what he did a second before and quickly got up.

“Stop right there!” Elsanne ordered the fast retreating eunuch. “I haven’t finished with you!”

“Apologies, mistress.”

“First of all, I want you to know I appreciate your assistance with the key,” Elsanne started to help him calm down a bit. “Although, I seem to have misplaced the dagger.”

Jasi remained stoically silent.

Hmm.

“Right. Well, I really need help here, Jasi and you know this place better than me.”

The eunuch brought the hankie to his face again and worked around his makeup to remove the moisture expertly. “The Prince values you, mistress Elsanne, more than anyone else.”

“Why need does he have of another wife then?”

“Because he can, mistress. That’s the law,” He frowned, plump face darkening. “And for pleasure, I suppose.”

Elsanne narrowed her eyes. “Marriage isn’t about pleasure Jasi, but creating heirs.”

“That’s what you were taught, mistress. It comes as no surprise really, since your customs, offered your Grace no competition for your husband’s affection, other than a list of duties to perform. Vynia was taught differently, especially with her coming from the Peninsula.”

“Taught how to be a whore,” Elsanne noted, her voice dripping poison.

“Do Issirs hate brothels?” Jasi queried, a little surprised. “You line leads all the way back, to a fearsome and rather renowned for his prowess on the subject pirate, mistress.”

Elsanne puffed out frustrated. The Eikenaars, didn’t particularly enjoy being reminded of that. Truth be told, she didn’t have a problem with it, up until now. “Uher purged those sins ages ago, Jasi. You’re thinking of Lorians.”

“Uher’s light burns all sinners alike,” The eunuch droned. “Yet, people still sin aplenty. Perhaps there are five gods for a reason, mistress Elsanne.”

And some would argue several more.

The Princess sighed, exasperated she couldn’t win this argument. Court rule, number one. When all else fails, threaten and people will back off. “You’re not being helpful. You must secretly want to meet our friendly neighborhood raiders.”

Jasi took a step back alarmed. “I’d rather swallow a bucket of Arsenic, mistress.”

The revelation, there was a bucket of it available in the first place, the most worrying detail.

“Well?”

“Vinya is waiting outside. Talking with her, might offer needed solution, mistress.”

Elsanne crossed her arms on her chest. “You were told to talk me into it, didn’t you?”

Ah, husband. You’re as cunning as a one-eyed fox.

Jasi bowed his head almost to his waist, showcasing amazing agility. “Ordered by the Prince, mistress.”

“You wouldn’t want to displease him,” The Princess mocked him.

“I couldn’t, even if I wanted. I’m not allowed,” Jasi replied simply. “By the way, pleasing men isn’t what I’m eager for, mistress.”

“You could’ve fooled me,” Elsanne said, staring pointedly at his crotch.

Jasi paled a bit, his brow furrowing. “That part wasn’t my decision, mistress.”

Of course it wasn’t. That poor soul…

Elsanne had already regretted her callous comment. “That was uncalled for, Jasi,” She mumbled, a little embarrassed.

The eunuch’s penciled eyes opened wide not expecting her half-apology. “Thankfully, I can still be of use, great mistress.”

“Oh, I thought… nothing worked.”

“A sad fact for the most part, but there are many other ways to satisfy a lover thoroughly, blessed mistress.”

Elsanne frowned. “But where do you find…” Jasi bit his lip, while she figured it out mid-sentence. “…no, you didn’t. You did? Good grief Jasi! The girls?”

“I’d rather not talk about it, mistress.”

The Princess stood back, greatly impressed and doubly curious.

“Should I sent Vynia in?” Jasi queried calmly a moment later, as if nothing of importance had happened.

Oh, what the hells, she thought. Might as well, try that too.

“Fine. Leave the dagger though.” The second part, rattling the eunuch.

“I gather, denying I have it, is pointless,” Jasi noted, sad she could read him that well.

“Pretty much,” Elsanne deadpanned. “Put it on top of the small drawer.”

“Mistress Elsanne, honored wife of Prince Radin—” Vynia started the moment she walked in, clad in a long blue tunic with a high modest neckline, her long hair braided on a bun and adorned with various gems.

Elsanne raised her hand to stop her. “Please, for Uher’s sake.”

The woman bowed her head. “I was told to obey your command, mistress Elsanne,” She blurted in fluent common. Better, than her Cofol was still, despite her enormous effort to learn their tongue as best as she could.

That is better, but not by much.

Elsanne sighed and thought to offer her some of the banana cream desert she had for breakfast, or a cup of juice, then decided there was no need.

“And you agreed?” She asked her.

Vynia didn’t even bat an eyelid. “Of course.”

Elsanne sighed. “You’re his wife too,” The notion still ridiculous in her mind. “Don’t let him treat you like a slave, Vynia.”

Silence.

“I mean it,” Elsanne insisted.

“I don’t know how to answer mistress Elsanne,” The confused woman blurted out.

“Just Elsanne, will suffice, or Princess I guess, since I am one,” Elsanne puffed out. “You and I, are of equal stature here,” The absurdity of it, more difficult to swallow than Jasi’s poison, but it was the truth.

“If you think so, Elsanne,” Vynia replied. She was pretty, Elsanne thought. Her skin a light gold color, dark eyes, not as slanted as Radin’s and rich black hair. A round face, perfectly made up and a well-shaped body she usually offered for everyone to gawk at, but had opted not to this time.

Probably out of respect, or not to offend her.

How considerate.

“It wasn’t your idea to share a bed,” Elsanne surmised. “That was Radin again.”

“The Prince’s wishes are my own,” Vynia argued, quite convincingly.

“What you want should matter,” Elsanne hissed.

“Isn’t obeying your husband, what comes first in your lands?”

“Sure, but an Issir doesn’t have another wife, or two! Do you see the difference?”

Vynia blinked. “How can one woman be enough?”

“It isn’t sometimes. Men look elsewhere, that’s true.”

As did women of course.

“How is that any better, Elsanne?”

The Princess pressed her lips tight. Vynia was thoroughly brainwashed, a fanatic, or she was great actor, willing to toe the party line to the bitter end.

“Jasi said, you came from the Peninsula. How is it? I heard stories of Greenwhale and its ports, but you must know so much more!”

Vynia glanced out of the meshed drapes. “There’s not much, I could tell you. I was born into the famed Le-Takin family, in the Grand city port of Ani Tane, where the great whale’s mouth is, or as the poets write, where Tani River empties its seed into the Wetull’s Straits.”

Elsanne loved hearing her voice. There was a rhythm in it, the words coming at the right time, never missing a bit and always colored right, for maximum effect.

“It sounds lovely,” She offered truthfully.

“I never saw any of it,” Vynia admitted, her cheeks flushing a deep red. “Never left our house until I was sixteen.”

The Princess knew a thing or two about the matter. Not to that extent though.

“Where did you meet Radin?” Elsanne asked, changing the subject.

“My father lost an arena bet at Fu De-Gar,” Vynia replied, staring at her leather sandals. “It was a big bet, so absent enough coin to settle, he avoided the dishonor by giving me to the Prince.”

Elsanne stared at Vynia’s painted a pale pink toes along with her for a moment. The moment dragged, both women thinking of their lives up to this point and Elsanne decided to break it, any way she could.

“Have you seen the view from the towers?” She asked her. With the clearing of the winter months’ fog and the hotter days of Spring; at least visibility had increased around Dia castle.

Vynia looked at her unsure. “No, I haven’t.”

“How long have you been here?”

“It will be four years this summer.”

She was older than her.

Good grief.

“So even when the Prince was off, you stayed here?”

Vynia nodded.

And never left the castle.

This is wrong, she decided.

Elsanne smacked her lips and set her jaw. “We will go now. On the south one, to see if we can spot Ovinet’s Nest at the distance.”

Vynia cracked a sad smile. “It is not allowed, Elsanne. They won’t let us up.”

It wasn’t allowed to get into the armory as well.

Got a key for it now.

And a dagger.

She eyed the expensive weapon, still on the drawer, where Jasi had left it and sighed.

Oh, girl. Nothing is ever easy.

“They will,” She finally said, much to Vynia’s amusement. “It’s a fine day, we will go now.”

She started towards the door determined, but Vynia stopped a stride in.

“What is it?” Elsanne asked.

Why is she blushing again? She didn’t seem the type yesterday.

“I’ll have to borrow some undergarments. It’s windy today,” The Cofol woman replied.

Elsanne blinked and then stared into Vynia’s hypnotic eyes numbly.

The woman had come prepared for every other possibility, what was she afraid off?

Wait.

Oh, for Uher’s sake!

“You’re not wearing anything under that, do you?” She asked and Vynia nodded shyly, holding her stare, until Elsanne realized what was going on and snapped out of it.

She pointed a manicured finger to her wardrobe, turning her head away.

“Help yourself,” Adding after a small pause. “Don’t touch my red bustier.”

The guard posted outside the south tower, blinked a couple of times seeing the two women approach him chuckling and then snapped to attention, his jaw clenched under his conned helm.

“Open the door for us,” Elsanne ordered him and heard Vynia’s shocked gasp.

“You’re not allowed—”

“Do you know who I am?”

“The Prince’s—”

“I’m the Princess of Kaltha,” Elsanne interrupted him again. “You’ll refuse my command?”

“I wasn’t informed… I can’t allow you inside the tower,” The guard, a young man of twenty years replied, visibly anxious.

“You know, we are the Prince’s wives,” Elsanne said. “Is this what you want us to say to Prince Radin, when we see him next? We weren’t allowed to see the view, because of you?”

“The view?” The guard droned.

“From above, I hear its lovely,” Elsanne added. “A real treat.”

“Well…”

“It’s a ten minute climb,” She stared into his worried and rather lovely, honey-colored eyes with intent. “I’ll never forget.”

The young guard gulped down, looked right and left to the empty yard and then moved out of the way.

‘Ovinet’s Nest’ peak stood towering over the mountain range, a colossal and natural yellowish-grey granite pillar, all two kilometers of it reaching for the blue heavens above them, the tallest portion piercing the low clouds and disappearing inside. Though quite far away, it was still quite clear on the horizon, as was the thick jungle standing between them and the naked mountains.

Wow, that’s quite something, Elsanne thought impressed at the breath-taking view and felt Vynia’s hand clasp hers tightly.

“It’s beautiful,” The young Cofol woman murmured, “Thank you, Princess. I will never forget this.”

The fool means it, she thought moved at her words and wiped a tear from her eye.

I’m supposed to hate you, why are you making this so difficult?

“This is worth, whatever fate has in store for us,” Elsanne whispered in Vynia’s ring-covered ear with a giggle, her own mood much improved.

Alas, she was wrong.

Jasi was waiting for them, when they got back down half an hour later, the helical staircase difficult to navigate on their heeled sandals and rather dark, despite the small opening on the walls. The eunuch greeted them both with a slight nod of the head and then quickly moved away from the sun towards the shade of the garden’s trees.

“Is the Prince here so soon?” Elsanne asked, noticing the muddied horses. Radin had left earlier to renegotiate the deal with the Horselords and the trip back and forth to the bridge was at least a day and a half.

“A rider came from Tyeusfort,” Jasi started explaining, before pausing, the two women stopping alongside him and stared at the Princess, letting his uncertainty show.

“The Prince finally found his men?” Elsanne jested with a small chuckle, the matter had all but consumed Radin these past months, but Vynia, her woman’s intuition far stronger, pressed Elsanne’s hand she still held hard, letting her fear spill through.

“This is a week’s old news, Princess,” Jasi explained and Elsanne felt a tang of worry in her chest. "A merchant reported on the marriage celebration in Alden to his family back home. The prince’s man sent both a bird and a fast rider this way. The bird didn’t make it, but the rider did.”

Young Kasper had gotten engaged to King Alistair’s baby girl, a political move Elsanne expected knowing her brother, especially with a war going on. Elsanne wished, she had been there, but Regia was months away now, much like Kaltha.

“The children made a royal mess of things?” Elsanne guessed, the eunuch’s constipated face troubling her, Vynia clutching her hand desperately and quite inappropriately, this being a public place.

“The children were killed, Mistress Elsanne,” Jasi murmured, crooking his mouth this way and that and she felt herself empty immediately, her eyes blurring and her breath dying in her throat. Vynia started crying, her makeup running down her face and Elsanne moving like an automaton, under Jasi’s inquiring eyes, had to console the distraught woman, until her slaves run out of their rooms to take her away.

That’s one life, Wayland Dawson had said months back and the Gods were listening.

“Princess,” Jasi tried to say, but she stopped him and walked away, towards her quarters, across the luscious garden. She couldn’t smell the flowers, couldn’t discern the different colors of the blooming nature, nor hear the pond’s myriad creepy-crawlies creating a great rumpus as the day moved slowly towards noon. Her mind and body had shut down on their own, all in an effort not to think. To avoid admitting what she’d just learned.

In a way, the Princess of Kaltha had been conditioned like that.

You have to be able to take a punch in the face, in order to rule sweetheart, her late father had told her once. Girls can’t, so your brother, will take it for you.

Elsanne stopped as Loes, stationed outside her bedroom, run to tell her the news, fresh tears in her swollen eyes.

“I know,” She croaked, not giving her the chance to speak. “Leave me.”

Loes bobbed her head and Elsanne entered her quarters alone and barred the door behind her. Walking mechanically, she closed the windows, barring those too and pushing the stupid drapes away. She then approached her polished bronze mirror and the drawer that still had the expensive dagger on it.

Elsanne looked at herself in the mirror, long white hair perfectly caught at the nappe, her face strained, but much as she remembered, licked her lips once tasting raspberry paint and breathed once deep. In through the nose, out through her mouth.

“Little Kasper is dead,” She informed herself in the mirror and waited for the waves of sorrow to flood her empty body right back in. When the pain came a second later, the distraught woman in the slightly distorted mirror’s surface, screamed like a senseless wraith until her knees gave out and she collapsed on them, wishing for oblivion.

The nature around her, the castle and the jungle, the ancient lake and the silent mountains; everything, old and new, flesh and spirits, in this Realm and all the others, recognized her vile bloodline and rejoiced at her agony. They prayed to the biggest God of them all, to deny her request and Eodrass always watching from afar, agreed and didn’t allow her any sleep for three straight days and as many nights.

Grimdux I. This is the direct sequel to Touch O' Luck Touch O' Luck II It serves as a prologue to the Old Realms series. It will be a superior reading experience to start this story from the beginning Please give it a good rating if you liked it, it will help the story reach a much bigger audience: Chapter specific maps of the realms Maps of the Realms Princess Elsanne Eikenaar Whatever fate has in store for us She proposed what? Elsanne snapped, head twisting around sharp enough to make her neck hurt and her breasts bounce all over the place, inside her loose nightgown. The material on it too thin to even be considered a garment, but still the heat of this cursed place was making her sweat like a very fat pig every night for the past two months. Two months of hell. There was no working around the chasm that she had encountered in her personal life. Elsanne had slowly turned into a paranoid creature, she barely recognized, suspecting every single slave of malice and there were more than a lot of them. Those she trusted were counted in the fingers of one hand. Not the guards, not Radin, especially not him. She glared at the man, the Prince extremely frustrated as she hadn't let him touch her much during this period. And we just came out of winter, she thought. Even her sense of time, was corrupted. Nothing was familiar, nothing. Vynia suggested, very magnanimously I might add, to share your bed with us, offering hers in return. A way to come together, as a loving family. Elsanne blinked, a vein throbbing on her temple ominously. Didn't I tell you not to talk with her? Come on, wife. Be reasonable. I inform you, this was me being reasonable, husband, Elsanne countered, then puffed a white curl out of her face and glared at him. Now, just to be clear. Why would I want her anywhere near my bed? You're reading too much into She stopped him raising her hand. Tell her, if I find her anywhere near my bedroom, I'll slit her throat with your silver dagger. The Prince frowned. Good grief, stop this nonsense! Ahm, no I won't. Elsanne seriously, this has gone wait, what dagger? The one with the four rubies on the handle. Where did you find? The armory. Stop changing the subject! She snapped cutting him off again, before he'd the chance to finish. I'm not how in Uher's grace, did you manage to get into the armory? The place is fucking locked! Elsanne blinked at the language. I used a key, She admitted. Who gave? Jasi. I found it in the laundry. Radin sighed desperately. The Prince's consorts are not allowed in the armory, sweet wife. I was only there for a second. Nobody noticed, She deadpanned. Now, inform your slutty other wife, her offer is rejected. Elsanne! I've had enough of this! Vynia is an innocent soul, stop attacking her! Radin barked losing his temper. Pfft. I've met whores more decent than her. You've never met a whore in your life, wife. He'd a point there, but still, a case could be made for Vynia. This conversation is over, She announced and then looked towards the door of her bedroom knowingly, hoping he'll get the message and trot away. I will decide that, dear, Radin warned her, his patience running thin. The truth of it was, had he not the problem of the Horselords occupying Jadefort, he'd probably focused all his attention on her. But he just couldn't. With no men to spare, let alone risk in an attack on the raiders, he'd entered a humiliating truce with them, after days spent hypothesizing on possible, traps, ambushes, night assaults and the like, before coming to the conclusion the best he could do was bid his time and wait for more men to arrive. Or the war to end soon. Two months later no one had, so soon turned into a fallacy and despite his efforts to recruit men from the other Forts, the promise of plunder and the big battles coming, outshined hunting down elusive Horselords in the arse end of the Khanate. The not so elusive Horselords in turn, had demanded supplies twice per month to stay on their side of Dragontoe and stop raiding towards Dia. Elsanne would have asked for gold in their stead, or say Vynia. Have her take one for the team, she thought. Or several. She doesn't seem to mind crowds. Is Radin expecting an answer to that? Haha. Here's your darn answer! Don't expect me to obey anytime soon. And don't dear me, you duplicitous snake! She blasted him and the Prince closed his eyes, having reached his limit for the day. What about the second part of her offer? Radin countered wearily. We could use her bed, spare yours the indignity, that's reasonable. Have you lost your mind? Why would I want to sleep with your other wife? In her bed, or any bed? I meant us together. It is common practice! Helps alleviate pressure. My big brother has three wives! The Gold Leopard four! You have a lovely family. Or you're lying. Haha! That's your bloody argument? Hmm, let me ponder on it then! The Princess pouted, pretending she did, for a brief moment. Bah, it's a no again. Sorry. She's an excellent lover, wife, Radin said, going another way. Elsanne flinched, the lewd image of them together stomach turning and went about searching her bedroom frantically, looking into drawers, pulling stuff out and even going under her bed. Naossis arse, what are you doing? The Prince yelled after a couple of moments, sounding exasperated. I can't find the darn dagger! She yelled back at him, then gave him a rare, as much as completely phony smile. Just keep talking, while I look for it? Jasi had a short sheer tunic under an exquisite, gold with red details, open front light-silk robe, Elsanne would have loved to get her hands on. Or his soft white-leather open toe sandals, his pedicured toes painted a deep red that she also loved, but didn't work as well, with her darker complexion. Princess, I couldn't help but overhear the Prince, The eunuch started, trending carefully. Bits and pieces really. The Prince had just stormed out of her bedroom and with Elsanne's quarters being near the kitchen and the armory, quite afar form anyone else's, she called bullshit on his excuse. Everyone was eavesdropping in this castle. With no exceptions. Where is Loes? Ahm, I believe she's looking over the cleaners, Princess. Elsanne narrowed her eyes, Jasi taking it the wrong way and trying again. Your Grace, Elsanne raised a thin white brow. Great Mistress, He corrected himself yet again. Enough. Of course, mistress. That great part, was short-lived, she thought. Vynia wants to share a bed, with me and Radin, She finally said, walking nervously towards the barred window, the meshed curtain on it letting the sun pour inside her large bedroom, but thankfully, not most of the nasty mosquitos that had started appearing lately. Aww, that's so Jasi started to say, caught the furious tick appearing on her left eye, for what it really was and changed his tune mid-sentence. unfathomably uncomfortable. How rude! Disgusting! Elsanne erupted and Jasi nodded, overcome with enthusiasm. Undoubtedly, young mistress. Elsanne glared at him. Was he playing along with her? Great Princess, The eunuch added quickly, to boast the praise, Elsanne's angry pout unnerving him completely, sweat droplets appearing on his forehead, small eyes ogling nervously, trying to find something more to enhance it, but failing. Of Kaltha. He added with a small shaky voice. He thinks talking with her, will help our relationship flourish, Elsanne said moving on, repeating her husband's words. As if I haven't talked with her aplenty! When was that mistress? Jasi queried quite interested, wiping his forehead with a perfumed linen handkerchief. We greet each other at dinner, Elsanne said. Every darn day. If anyone else was standing in front of the Princess, but the experienced eunuch, he would've rolled his eyes so hard, the white would've shown. Perhaps it's not such a bad I want her removed, Elsanne blurted out, cutting him off mid-sentence. What were you saying? Jasi cleared his throat, pressing the hankie on his plump chin. It's a daring idea, mistress. Right? Have her sold away, or something? It doesn't have to be all bad. Vynia could find a better home that will appreciate her whoring skills more? Yeah, it's comforting you're of the same mind too, Elsanne murmured. Can we convince my husband though? Is this a thing, I don't know do people solve thus, problems like I face here? Jasi looked at her silently for a moment. It will be better, if your husband didn't know, mistress. Elsanne frowned. How's that going to work? I mean, won't he notice? Of course. But it will be too late by then, mistress. Right, there's that of course. Hey, you can't cry over spilt milk, Elsanne noted and it was Jasi's turn to frown deeply. I would use the black tea she favors, mistress, He countered, probably not familiar with the phrase, or on a completely different topic. Hold on a second here. You would have her poisoned? Elsanne asked, more than a little shocked. Removed, had a better ring to it, mistress. If I'm allowed to observe, Jasi replied, with a small smile. That's not what I meant Jasi, Elsanne hissed. You have an evil mind. I see Horselords in your future, She said ominously, reminding him of her threat, that first week they came to knew each other well. I pray the mistress is mistaken in her prediction, The eunuch whispered with a shudder. The mistress doesn't think so. Jasi abruptly prostrated himself on her feet, soft hands grabbing her naked ankles, his forehead almost banging on the yellow-marble floor. Apologies, your Grace! The eunuch cried out miserably, eyes set on the floor and heavy sobs quaking his plump body. Please spare your loyal servant! All-Gods help me. Get up you fool! Elsanne hissed, trying to free her feet from his grip and almost toppling backwards. Let go! Yes, I will go immediately, mistress, Jasi said, sounding better than what he did a second before and quickly got up. Stop right there! Elsanne ordered the fast retreating eunuch. I haven't finished with you! Apologies, mistress. First of all, I want you to know I appreciate your assistance with the key, Elsanne started to help him calm down a bit. Although, I seem to have misplaced the dagger. Jasi remained stoically silent. Hmm. Right. Well, I really need help here, Jasi and you know this place better than me. The eunuch brought the hankie to his face again and worked around his makeup to remove the moisture expertly. The Prince values you, mistress Elsanne, more than anyone else. Why need does he have of another wife then? Because he can, mistress. That's the law, He frowned, plump face darkening. And for pleasure, I suppose. Elsanne narrowed her eyes. Marriage isn't about pleasure Jasi, but creating heirs. That's what you were taught, mistress. It comes as no surprise really, since your customs, offered your Grace no competition for your husband's affection, other than a list of duties to perform. Vynia was taught differently, especially with her coming from the Peninsula. Taught how to be a whore, Elsanne noted, her voice dripping poison. Do Issirs hate brothels? Jasi queried, a little surprised. You line leads all the way back, to a fearsome and rather renowned for his prowess on the subject pirate, mistress. Elsanne puffed out frustrated. The Eikenaars, didn't particularly enjoy being reminded of that. Truth be told, she didn't have a problem with it, up until now. Uher purged those sins ages ago, Jasi. You're thinking of Lorians. Uher's light burns all sinners alike, The eunuch droned. Yet, people still sin aplenty. Perhaps there are five gods for a reason, mistress Elsanne. And some would argue several more. The Princess sighed, exasperated she couldn't win this argument. Court rule, number one. When all else fails, threaten and people will back off. You're not being helpful. You must secretly want to meet our friendly neighborhood raiders. Jasi took a step back alarmed. I'd rather swallow a bucket of Arsenic, mistress. The revelation, there was a bucket of it available in the first place, the most worrying detail. Well? Vinya is waiting outside. Talking with her, might offer needed solution, mistress. Elsanne crossed her arms on her chest. You were told to talk me into it, didn't you? Ah, husband. You're as cunning as a one-eyed fox. Jasi bowed his head almost to his waist, showcasing amazing agility. Ordered by the Prince, mistress. You wouldn't want to displease him, The Princess mocked him. I couldn't, even if I wanted. I'm not allowed, Jasi replied simply. By the way, pleasing men isn't what I'm eager for, mistress. You could've fooled me, Elsanne said, staring pointedly at his crotch. Jasi paled a bit, his brow furrowing. That part wasn't my decision, mistress. Of course it wasn't. That poor soul Elsanne had already regretted her callous comment. That was uncalled for, Jasi, She mumbled, a little embarrassed. The eunuch's penciled eyes opened wide not expecting her half-apology. Thankfully, I can still be of use, great mistress. Oh, I thought nothing worked. A sad fact for the most part, but there are many other ways to satisfy a lover thoroughly, blessed mistress. Elsanne frowned. But where do you find Jasi bit his lip, while she figured it out mid-sentence. no, you didn't. You did? Good grief Jasi! The girls? I'd rather not talk about it, mistress. The Princess stood back, greatly impressed and doubly curious. Should I sent Vynia in? Jasi queried calmly a moment later, as if nothing of importance had happened. Oh, what the hells, she thought. Might as well, try that too. Fine. Leave the dagger though. The second part, rattling the eunuch. I gather, denying I have it, is pointless, Jasi noted, sad she could read him that well. Pretty much, Elsanne deadpanned. Put it on top of the small drawer. Mistress Elsanne, honored wife of Prince Radin Vynia started the moment she walked in, clad in a long blue tunic with a high modest neckline, her long hair braided on a bun and adorned with various gems. Elsanne raised her hand to stop her. Please, for Uher's sake. The woman bowed her head. I was told to obey your command, mistress Elsanne, She blurted in fluent common. Better, than her Cofol was still, despite her enormous effort to learn their tongue as best as she could. That is better, but not by much. Elsanne sighed and thought to offer her some of the banana cream desert she had for breakfast, or a cup of juice, then decided there was no need. And you agreed? She asked her. Vynia didn't even bat an eyelid. Of course. Elsanne sighed. You're his wife too, The notion still ridiculous in her mind. Don't let him treat you like a slave, Vynia. Silence. I mean it, Elsanne insisted. I don't know how to answer mistress Elsanne, The confused woman blurted out. Just Elsanne, will suffice, or Princess I guess, since I am one, Elsanne puffed out. You and I, are of equal stature here, The absurdity of it, more difficult to swallow than Jasi's poison, but it was the truth. If you think so, Elsanne, Vynia replied. She was pretty, Elsanne thought. Her skin a light gold color, dark eyes, not as slanted as Radin's and rich black hair. A round face, perfectly made up and a well-shaped body she usually offered for everyone to gawk at, but had opted not to this time. Probably out of respect, or not to offend her. How considerate. It wasn't your idea to share a bed, Elsanne surmised. That was Radin again. The Prince's wishes are my own, Vynia argued, quite convincingly. What you want should matter, Elsanne hissed. Isn't obeying your husband, what comes first in your lands? Sure, but an Issir doesn't have another wife, or two! Do you see the difference? Vynia blinked. How can one woman be enough? It isn't sometimes. Men look elsewhere, that's true. As did women of course. How is that any better, Elsanne? The Princess pressed her lips tight. Vynia was thoroughly brainwashed, a fanatic, or she was great actor, willing to toe the party line to the bitter end. Jasi said, you came from the Peninsula. How is it? I heard stories of Greenwhale and its ports, but you must know so much more! Vynia glanced out of the meshed drapes. There's not much, I could tell you. I was born into the famed Le-Takin family, in the Grand city port of Ani Tane, where the great whale's mouth is, or as the poets write, where Tani River empties its seed into the Wetull's Straits. Elsanne loved hearing her voice. There was a rhythm in it, the words coming at the right time, never missing a bit and always colored right, for maximum effect. It sounds lovely, She offered truthfully. I never saw any of it, Vynia admitted, her cheeks flushing a deep red. Never left our house until I was sixteen. The Princess knew a thing or two about the matter. Not to that extent though. Where did you meet Radin? Elsanne asked, changing the subject. My father lost an arena bet at Fu De-Gar, Vynia replied, staring at her leather sandals. It was a big bet, so absent enough coin to settle, he avoided the dishonor by giving me to the Prince. Elsanne stared at Vynia's painted a pale pink toes along with her for a moment. The moment dragged, both women thinking of their lives up to this point and Elsanne decided to break it, any way she could. Have you seen the view from the towers? She asked her. With the clearing of the winter months' fog and the hotter days of Spring; at least visibility had increased around Dia castle. Vynia looked at her unsure. No, I haven't. How long have you been here? It will be four years this summer. She was older than her. Good grief. So even when the Prince was off, you stayed here? Vynia nodded. And never left the castle. This is wrong, she decided. Elsanne smacked her lips and set her jaw. We will go now. On the south one, to see if we can spot Ovinet's Nest at the distance. Vynia cracked a sad smile. It is not allowed, Elsanne. They won't let us up. It wasn't allowed to get into the armory as well. Got a key for it now. And a dagger. She eyed the expensive weapon, still on the drawer, where Jasi had left it and sighed. Oh, girl. Nothing is ever easy. They will, She finally said, much to Vynia's amusement. It's a fine day, we will go now. She started towards the door determined, but Vynia stopped a stride in. What is it? Elsanne asked. Why is she blushing again? She didn't seem the type yesterday. I'll have to borrow some undergarments. It's windy today, The Cofol woman replied. Elsanne blinked and then stared into Vynia's hypnotic eyes numbly. The woman had come prepared for every other possibility, what was she afraid off? Wait. Oh, for Uher's sake! You're not wearing anything under that, do you? She asked and Vynia nodded shyly, holding her stare, until Elsanne realized what was going on and snapped out of it. She pointed a manicured finger to her wardrobe, turning her head away. Help yourself, Adding after a small pause. Don't touch my red bustier. The guard posted outside the south tower, blinked a couple of times seeing the two women approach him chuckling and then snapped to attention, his jaw clenched under his conned helm. Open the door for us, Elsanne ordered him and heard Vynia's shocked gasp. You're not allowed Do you know who I am? The Prince's I'm the Princess of Kaltha, Elsanne interrupted him again. You'll refuse my command? I wasn't informed I can't allow you inside the tower, The guard, a young man of twenty years replied, visibly anxious. You know, we are the Prince's wives, Elsanne said. Is this what you want us to say to Prince Radin, when we see him next? We weren't allowed to see the view, because of you? The view? The guard droned. From above, I hear its lovely, Elsanne added. A real treat. Well It's a ten minute climb, She stared into his worried and rather lovely, honey-colored eyes with intent. I'll never forget. The young guard gulped down, looked right and left to the empty yard and then moved out of the way. Ovinet's Nest' peak stood towering over the mountain range, a colossal and natural yellowish-grey granite pillar, all two kilometers of it reaching for the blue heavens above them, the tallest portion piercing the low clouds and disappearing inside. Though quite far away, it was still quite clear on the horizon, as was the thick jungle standing between them and the naked mountains. Wow, that's quite something, Elsanne thought impressed at the breath-taking view and felt Vynia's hand clasp hers tightly. It's beautiful, The young Cofol woman murmured, Thank you, Princess. I will never forget this. The fool means it, she thought moved at her words and wiped a tear from her eye. I'm supposed to hate you, why are you making this so difficult? This is worth, whatever fate has in store for us, Elsanne whispered in Vynia's ring-covered ear with a giggle, her own mood much improved. Alas, she was wrong. Jasi was waiting for them, when they got back down half an hour later, the helical staircase difficult to navigate on their heeled sandals and rather dark, despite the small opening on the walls. The eunuch greeted them both with a slight nod of the head and then quickly moved away from the sun towards the shade of the garden's trees. Is the Prince here so soon? Elsanne asked, noticing the muddied horses. Radin had left earlier to renegotiate the deal with the Horselords and the trip back and forth to the bridge was at least a day and a half. A rider came from Tyeusfort, Jasi started explaining, before pausing, the two women stopping alongside him and stared at the Princess, letting his uncertainty show. The Prince finally found his men? Elsanne jested with a small chuckle, the matter had all but consumed Radin these past months, but Vynia, her woman's intuition far stronger, pressed Elsanne's hand she still held hard, letting her fear spill through. This is a week's old news, Princess, Jasi explained and Elsanne felt a tang of worry in her chest. "A merchant reported on the marriage celebration in Alden to his family back home. The prince's man sent both a bird and a fast rider this way. The bird didn't make it, but the rider did. Young Kasper had gotten engaged to King Alistair's baby girl, a political move Elsanne expected knowing her brother, especially with a war going on. Elsanne wished, she had been there, but Regia was months away now, much like Kaltha. The children made a royal mess of things? Elsanne guessed, the eunuch's constipated face troubling her, Vynia clutching her hand desperately and quite inappropriately, this being a public place. The children were killed, Mistress Elsanne, Jasi murmured, crooking his mouth this way and that and she felt herself empty immediately, her eyes blurring and her breath dying in her throat. Vynia started crying, her makeup running down her face and Elsanne moving like an automaton, under Jasi's inquiring eyes, had to console the distraught woman, until her slaves run out of their rooms to take her away. That's one life, Wayland Dawson had said months back and the Gods were listening. Princess, Jasi tried to say, but she stopped him and walked away, towards her quarters, across the luscious garden. She couldn't smell the flowers, couldn't discern the different colors of the blooming nature, nor hear the pond's myriad creepy-crawlies creating a great rumpus as the day moved slowly towards noon. Her mind and body had shut down on their own, all in an effort not to think. To avoid admitting what she'd just learned. In a way, the Princess of Kaltha had been conditioned like that. You have to be able to take a punch in the face, in order to rule sweetheart, her late father had told her once. Girls can't, so your brother, will take it for you. Elsanne stopped as Loes, stationed outside her bedroom, run to tell her the news, fresh tears in her swollen eyes. I know, She croaked, not giving her the chance to speak. Leave me. Loes bobbed her head and Elsanne entered her quarters alone and barred the door behind her. Walking mechanically, she closed the windows, barring those too and pushing the stupid drapes away. She then approached her polished bronze mirror and the drawer that still had the expensive dagger on it. Elsanne looked at herself in the mirror, long white hair perfectly caught at the nappe, her face strained, but much as she remembered, licked her lips once tasting raspberry paint and breathed once deep. In through the nose, out through her mouth. Little Kasper is dead, She informed herself in the mirror and waited for the waves of sorrow to flood her empty body right back in. When the pain came a second later, the distraught woman in the slightly distorted mirror's surface, screamed like a senseless wraith until her knees gave out and she collapsed on them, wishing for oblivion. The nature around her, the castle and the jungle, the ancient lake and the silent mountains; everything, old and new, flesh and spirits, in this Realm and all the others, recognized her vile bloodline and rejoiced at her agony. They prayed to the biggest God of them all, to deny her request and Eodrass always watching from afar, agreed and didn't allow her any sleep for three straight days and as many nights.