Hera I

Hera stood on the side of the stoned road that lead to James-Mere, looking out at the fields that were wet from the coming winter, tall and dying trees in the distance and a cold breeze in the air.

What an absolute shit hole! Hera thought.

“Do I really have to be here for this Princess’s birthday?” She shouted out.

“Lighten up Hera,” Her brother Logan shouted whilst pissing off the side of the road, “I don’t get to see many women from the mainland, it would be nice to tick them off my list.” He said with a laugh.

“Don’t make me laugh!” Hera shouted back, “These Mansstel women are all prim and proper, one look at a cock and they’ll probably run screaming.”

Hera watched her brother from behind as his body was shaking what she assumed was the last of his piss out, whilst doing so he shouted back.

“You’re probably right, but no harm in trying.”

Turning back around, Logan pulled his long blonde hair back behind his ears and grinned at his sister before they walked back to their carriage.

“Hurry up. We are late!” Lady Janet complained as Hera closed the carriage door and sat down opposite from her.

Miserable old cow, gods know that she could do with a good fuck! Hera thought to herself.

“Could you not get dressed into smarter attire before we meet the King of Kings?” Lady Janet asked.

Hera looked at her clothes, black leather trousers, a tight, white cotton shirts and black boots. Then she looked back at Lady Janet. Her black and grey hair was straight as an arrow and she was wearing a long black robe.

When I want to look like an ancient witch I will ask her for advice! Hera thought to herself and brought a little smile to her face.

“I will keep that in mind.” She replied to the older woman.

“You should. Your mother would want you looking your best for the King.” Lady Janet replied.

If your nose wasn’t so far up my mothers arse you could see how terrible you look. Hera thought.

The remainder of the trip to James-Mere was in silence, Hera giving the occasional side look to her brother who was in a world of his own looking out at the fields. When they finally pulled up to the capitals gates there were two soldiers who needed proof of who they were.

Lady Janet handed them a letter with the Bowan sigil on, a white horse in front of a green background with a purple cross. When the soldiers nodded to say they were happy for the party to enter, Hera heard the large gates opening.

As she looked out of the carriage into the streets of James-Mere she saw many of the poor people who lived at the front of the city, the roads were cobbled and the buildings were made of wood and were nothing to shout about.

This place is hell compared to Edington. Hera thought to herself, wishing she was back on the Isle-Of-Erst.

When the carriage finally came to a stop, Hera looked out to see they were in a large courtyard in front of the James-Mere castle. I was large enough to force Hera to crank her neck to see the top, made of grey stone that looked dreary and battered, not a castle fit for the King of Kings.

“Alright you two, we are about to meet the King of Kings and his family. I expect you on your best behaviour, do not forget that I will be reporting everything back to your mother.” Lady Janet said.

Hera and Logan shrugged in response; At least I have Logan here with me to put up with this place. Hera thought.

Stepping out of the carriage and onto the cobbled courtyard, they began their walk up the forty steps to the castle. Once at the door they were greeted by an overweight man dressed in yellow robes, clearly very expensive.

“It is an honour to meet you all. I am Theadan, I am in charge of the accounts for the Empire.” He said, although Hera could barely focus on anything other than his strange head, he had short jet black hair that was completely shaved on the side. Not something she has seen back in Edington.

“It is our honour to be here.” Lady Janet said in response.

“Please follow me.” Theadan said and turned around.

Looking at her brother, Logan gave a silent laugh as he too must have noticed how overweight this man was.

The halls of the castle were filled with paintings of previous rulers, many of which that Hera did not know. The floor was mostly covered in a red rug, all of which was nothing in comparison to the beauty for Edington castle.

When they came to a large, oak double door, Theadan entered and announced their arrival.

“My King, may I introduce you to Lady Janet, Logan Bowan and Hera Bowan.”

When Hera walked in she was actually impressed with the size of the room, larger than the dining hall of her home. It was filled with candles and long tables and chairs and at the front sat a handful of wooden chairs with what appeared to be red silk cushions on top.

Her eyes finally landed on who she would assume in King Leo Thine, He doesn’t look anything special, let’s see if he lives up to his reputation. Hera thought.

Walking closer, he was taller than Hera, probably similar height to Logan, however he looked old. His face was slightly wrinkled and his hair was completely grey.

“It is my pleasure to meet you all. I trust your journey here went well?” The King politely said, taking Lady Janet’s hand into his and planting a kiss on the back of it.

“It was my King, no troubles at all.” She said.

Another person for her to suck up to. Hera scoffed to herself.

“That is good to here,” King Leo said and then turned his attention to Logan, “It is nice to finally meet you Logan.” He said whilst shaking his hand, “A strong grip, you would make a fine warrior.”

“Thank you, my King.” Logan replied politely.

Finally, King Leo turned to Hera, once again taking her hand and planting a kiss on top. Something that Hera distasted, not enjoying being treated differently from her brother.

“And you must be Hera, you are as beautiful as your mother.” He complimented.

Hera knew that her mothers beauty was known throughout the empire, her rare, red hair being a vocal point throughout Oswen.

“Thank you, my King.” Hera replied.

“I will have my men take your belongings to your rooms, please allow Mattheon to escort you.” The king said and then another guard appeared next to him. However he was not dressed in the usual iron armour of the army. He was in a died, dark red armour with a red cape to follow.

Hera noted his short brown hair and obvious cheek bones. Smiling to herself she thought, You can escort me to my room all you want.

“Lady Janet, may we speak in private?” King Leo said.

“Of course,” Lady Janet replied and then turned to the Bowan siblings, “You two go and get settled, I will speak to you shortly.”

Hera and Logan nodded and then followed Mattheon out of the dining hall. After being shown to separate rooms, Mattheon left Hera in peace. Peace that was short lived as Logan entered her room.

“Hey sis.” He said closing the door.

“What do you think of the guard, easy on the eyes.” Hera replied with a slight laugh.

“Look at you, enjoying yourself already.” Logan said whilst looking through the draws in the room, being as nosy as ever.

“When is this Princess’s birthday anyway?” Logan asked.

“Soon hopefully.” Hera replied, “I don’t want to be here any longer than I have too.”

“I could do with a good party, see what these posh women are like.” Logan laughed out.

“Did you see Lady Janet? I bet she is already offering her services to the King.” Hera joked

“The miserable bitch probably could do with a good fuck.” Logan laughed and then said, “The King seemed to like you, calling you beautiful just like our mother.” He said mocking his sister.

“Shut up, I am nothing like her!” Hera argued back.

“Thank the gods for that.” Logan said, picking a book out of one of the cupboards that he found. After flicking through it he threw it at Hera was lay on her bed, At least the bed is comfortable, She thought.

“Here, I’m going to have a look around. Do you want to come?” Logan asked.

Picking up the book, it was titled “Gods and Titans”, flicking through the front page Hera said back to her brother.

“No, I’ll stay here.”

“Alright then.” Logan said opening the door and leaving Hera alone once more.

Lay back, she began to read through the pages of this old book, telling the story of the Gods rebellion against the old titans.

It was two, maybe three hours later when a knock came on the door.

“Come in.” Here shouted, putting the book down that she has nearly finished. Disappointed filled her when she saw Lady Janet entering the room.

“We need to talk.” She said closing the door behind her.

“What is it?” Hera moaned back.

“You should speak to me in a more respectful manner.” Lady Janet shot back, standing over Hera who remained on the bed.

“I apologise, how can I help?” Hera asked back, although Lady Janet did not pick up on her sarcasm.

“I need to tell you about the reason you have come on the trip and the agreement your mother has made, of which the King and I have just finalised.” Lady Janet said.

These words panicking Hera, wondering what sort of agreement would involve her.

“You are officially betrothed to the Kings son, Prince Harry Thine.”

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“What?!” Hera shouted, jumping up from the bed.

“You are heir to the Isle-Of-Erst, he is the heir to the empire. Your mother has made agreements for your marriage that will take place next year.” Lady Janet said in a blunt tone.

“I am not marrying some posh prince and moving to a land I hate!” Hera shouted in annoyance.

“You will do as you are told.” Lady Janet calmly replied, not changing her stance, “You are twenty years of age and your mother has given you ample opportunity to find a husband, yet you have shown no willingness to comply. So, the decision has been made for you.”

“Well I don’t agree. You cannot force me to marry someone.” Hera shouted.

“Do not speak to me like that!” Lady Janet finally rose her voice, startling the girl. “I am acting on your mothers wishes, if you want to argue then you will have to speak with her.”

Hera knew that she couldn’t go against her mother, for all of her beauty simply hid her ruthlessness. Unable to find any words, Lady Janet spoke once again.

“Good. You will meet with Prince Harry tonight, dress accordingly.” And then she turned her back to Hera and left the room.

Once the door was closed, Hera slammed her face into the pillow and screamed as loud as she could. Once exhausted by her screams, Hera sat on her bed staring at the ceiling, the ceiling she would soon call home.

How could she do this to me? That vile bitch! Hera screamed in her head.

Shortly after, Logan reappeared in Hera’s room, a shocked look on his face when he spoke.

“I have just been told.”

Sitting down next to Hera, she wiped her tears and stuttered out.

“I can’t believe it, how could she do this without telling me?”

“You know what mother is like, if it meant political gain she would sell you to slavers.” Logan said placing his hand onto her back.

“I swear she will regret this.” Hera whispered out, “One day, I will look down on her and smile, I don’t know how and I don’t know when, but I will get revenge on her for this.”

Later that night, Hera had bathed and Lady Janet assisted putting on a thick, purple and green dress and brushed her blond hair until it was straight and down to her back. Looking in a mirror she looked like the normal woman that she tried hard to not seem.

“Okay, time to meet your future husband.” Lady Janet said.

Although Hera wanted to scream and attack Lady Janet, she knew there was no reason to. Lady Janet had no say over what was going to happen, it was her mother that has cursed her with this fate.

Leaving her room, Hera slowly walked down the halls of the castle, her shoes uncomfortable and harder to walk in than her usual boots.

When she finally entered the meeting room of the castle, Lady Janet escorted her inside where she lay eyes on her husband to be.

“Hera, this is my son. Harry.” King Leo said with a hand on his son’s shoulder.

Harry stood up right, the way a royal would. He was wearing a tunic and trousers with the Thine Dynasty colours, his hair was short and black, combed to one side and his face looked like that of a boys.

He’s only a child! Hera thought.

“It is an honour to meet you.” Prince Harry said stepping forward and in a similar way to his father, took Hera’s hand into his and kissed it.

“It is nice to meet you too.” Hera replied, although her tone said otherwise.

“We will leave you two to speak.” King Leo said before leaving the room with Lady Janet.

Once alone, Hera looked at her future husband. He stood still and proud with a blank look on his face.

“How old are you?” Hera finally asked, breaking the silence.

“I turned eighteen years of age a few months ago.” Harry replied, keeping his hands behind his back and his chest puffed out.

Hera was surprised by his age, due to his face he looked a lot younger, ease of royalty keeps you young, Hera thought.

“So,” Prince Harry got out, “How does the capital compare to Edington?”

Gods give me strength, has this boy ever spoken to a woman before? She thought.

“It’s nice,” Hera replied, then trying to force this conversation she asked, “Have you ever travelled to the Isle-Of-Erst?”

“Never,” Harry quickly replied back, “Although I have heard stories of how beautiful the land is.”

“It is.” Here replied, having no idea how to keep the discussion going with this rich child. After another few moments of awkward silence, Harry once again spoke.

“May I say, you are a delight for the eyes, I am blessed to have a sight of your beauty.”

Hera simply smiled back at Harry, his posture not changing and speaking as though reading a script of what to say to a woman. Then Hera decided to have some fun of her own.

Smiling to herself, she slowly walked towards the prince and slowly place her right hand onto his arm, bringing it down and across his forearm.

“You are a handsome one aren’t you, I bet all the women in the capital want you.”

She could see the nervousness in his eyes and the panic on his face, the way his voice trembled as he stuttered out.

“I can ensure you my lady, I am pure and untouched.”

Pure and untouched? What is wrong with these people?! Hera questioned.

Bringing her hand ever so lightly to his chest, Hera leaned in and whispered into his ears.

“Does that mean no woman has been lucky enough to lay with you?”

Although his feet remained still, Hera could feel his nervous shaking next to her.

“N-no.” Harry stuttered back.

“Would you take me? Here. Now?” Hera whispered, pushing herself against him. Inside she was laughing at the pure fear this boy has from a woman.

“We, we should wait until marriage.” Harry replied.

As Hera slowly pulled her head back, she locked eyes with the Prince, they were as deep and brown. Surprised her, Harry spoke in a more confident tone.

“I have never seen green eyes before, they are,” He paused, clearly trying to find a word, “Tranquil.” He finally got out.

Tranquil? Bloody tranquil?

“You flatter me my Prince.” Hera whispered before seductively saying, “Are you sure I can’t get you to reconsider my proposal.”

Although his eyes were still locked into hers, her managed to stutter out.

“I cannot, I would not dishonour you in that way.”

“You’re no fun.” Hera replied in a childish voice before turning around and heading towards the door. Before leaving the room she turned her head back at Harry who still had not moved an inch.

“If you change your mind, you know where my room is.” And then she left.

Walking down the hall Hera found it hard to keep her laughs inside, watching that Prince tremble in front of her was more fun than she could have thought.

The next morning, Hera was sat in the dining hall having her breakfast with her brother.

“So, what’s the prince like?” He asked cutting into his pork sausage.

“He’s like a child.” She replied.

“How old is he?” Logan asked.

“Same as you, although he looks younger.” Hera told him, sighing at the fact she would actually have to be his wife.

“What did you discuss when you were alone?”

“I offered him to fuck me there and then.” Here blurted out which forced Logan so spit out his mouth full of food and burst in to laughter.

“You told the heir to the empire to fuck you?!” Logan asked with his mouth still half full.

“I did it in a more lady like fashion.” Hera replied with a smirk.

“What are you two discussing?” Suddenly Lady Janet’s voice could be heard entering the dining room. Hera quickly looked at her brother in a way to tell him not to say anything.

“Nothing.” Hera replied.

“Okay well then I need to tell you, we are going to have dinner tonight with the Thine’s.” She informed them, “Try and stay out of trouble until then.”

Hera and Logan replied to say yes and then Lady Janet left them in peace once more.

“How did you keep yourself occupied yesterday?” Hera asked.

“There’s a whore house not too far away, the most expensive one in the city. It is safe to say, worth every penny.” Logan replied.

“Be careful, you don’t want Lady Janet to find out.” Hera warned him, knowing she wouldn’t think twice before telling their mother.

“She won’t, plus I can get into all the trouble I want. It’s part of the perks of being the second child. You’re the one with the responsibilities.” Logan laughed back as he finished his plate of food.

The rest of the day went fast for Hera, the castle appearing to be large enough that she didn’t stumble onto Prince Harry. When the sun had set she was once again forced to dress ladylike, leaving her room she saw Logan dressed in an expensive tunic and trousers.

“Look at you little brother.” Hera mocked.

“You’re one to talk, I’ve never seen you look so much like a woman.”

“Enough you two!” Lady Janet silenced them both.

The three walked towards the dining hall, once entering the Thine family were all lined up and smiling back at them.

King Leo and Prince Harry stood side by side, as soon as Hera met his eyes he diverted his gaze. Then there were who Hera assumed was Leo’s wife and his daughter.

“Logan and Hera, this is Queen Sandra and Princess Fleor.” Lady Janet introduced them.

Hera and Logan said hello and they all proceeded to sit on the family table, although it was large enough to fit fifty people on, they all sat very close together. Much to Hera’s dislike she was placed opposite from Harry and she could catch him looking at her often.

Then, a handful of workers brought in a glorious feast. An entire stuffed pig was placed on one side of the table, surrounded by roasted potatoes, carrots and leeks. The head worker proceeded to cut up the pig and place it onto the families’ plates.

Hera was pleasantly surprised with the meal, the pork was succulent and the roasted vegetables were cooked perfectly. Although the meal was awkward, Lady Janet and the King and Queen made idle conversation. Here occasionally would look at the Prince and think to herself, If we are going to be married he better learn to talk to me!

Then much to her surprise Harry looked dead at her and said loudly.

“You look absolutely stunning tonight my lady.”

Seeming as if he has grown a back bone during the meal, Perhaps he us using the cooked pigs backbone, Hera thought.

“Not tranquil?” Hera said with a smile, knowing that only Harry would know that she was mocking him. Although she was met with a light hit to her thigh from Lady Janet, taking the hint she smiled back and replied.

“Thank you, you look very handsome.”

She watched as Harry’s face was painfully still before he returned to his meal.

“It is your sixteenth birthday Princess?” Lady Janet asked.

The young girl looked up from her plate, her long black hair had curls in and she wore a very tame red dress. She gave a small smile and replied.

“Yes, next week. You will all be attending the party?”

Her voice was posh and elegant, Hera smiled at the younger girl, such an innocence that she can’t remember having.

“Sixteen,” Hera said, “You will be a woman soon.”

Again she was struck with another hit to her thigh, apparently Lady Janet only wished for Hera to speak when spoken too.

“That is what I have been told. Although I do not understand why turning sixteen changes anything.” She replied in happy bliss.

“You will always be my little girl.” King Leo replied, turning to look at him he had a smile aimed at his daughter.

Hera let out a smile, until thoughts of her own father came to her end and a wave of sadness washed through her. She knew that when her father was alive that he was not the kindest of men, similar to their mother. However, he loved Hera and was a good father. She never realised how much she missed the love of a father until he saw the way that Leo looked at Fleor.

“You are lucky,” Hera spoke out to the young girl before stopping herself, knowing that she shouldn’t be outspoken.

“Please, continue.” King Leo said.

“Coming of age as Princess of the Empire, you will have the world at your feet and you are clearly a smart and lovely young woman. Your life will be filled with joy.” Hera told her, Fleor reminding her of what it was like to be and a happy and ignorant child.

The remainder of the meal was much of the same, idle chit chat between Lady Janet and the King and Queen, the children barely allowed to speak. When they finally finished, the Bowan group went to their rooms. Except Hera waited by her door, listening for footsteps.

Listening through the wood she could hear the voice of King Leo.

“What do you make of Hera Bowan?” He asked which was followed by Prince Harry’s voice.

“She is, interesting.” He replied.

“The Isle-Of-Erst live differently than we do. They are freer with how they speak and act, a luxury you could learn from.” The King replied.

As they walked further away their voices became muffled and unable to understand.

It was midday, the day after the two families shared their meal. Hera was walking throughout the castle, Logan had gone off on his own again, presumably another whore house. When Hera found a door lad leads outside, she was hit with the cold breeze, the skies were a hauntingly grey and the sun was just able to get through the clouds.

As she walked around the yard of the castle she turned a corner and from a distance could see Prince Harry hitting a sword against a training dummy.

At least he tries to fight. Hera thought.

Watching him, he was in light, cloth clothing and his sword movements were quick and precise. Approaching the Prince, Harry spotted Hera and quickly stopped his swings.

“My Lady, I did not expect to see you out here.” Harry said, going back to his upright posture.

“You don’t have to call me your lady every time.” Hera replied stepping closer and inspecting the training dummy, looking down at the sword in Harry’s hand she said to him, “You’re quick. Do you practice a lot?”

“Most day My,” And then Harry paused to correct himself, “Hera.”

The Bowan girl have a light smile. Spotting a table with more practice swords on she walked over, picking one into her hand she turned to the Prince and said.

“Let’s see how skilled you are.”

“I could not.” Harry replied, obviously confused by Hera’s offer.

“Don’t treat me like the posh women in the capital. Come on, practice with me.” She encouraged the boy.

Harry gave a sigh and then walked over to Hera, holding his sword upwards and pointing at her he said.

“Okay, when I strike like this, you raise your sword and try to block it.”

“I’ll try.” She replied.

In a very slow motion, Harry brought his sword from the side towards Hera. In one smooth movement she struck his sword back causing it to fly out of his hand, without stopping she swing her leg at Harry’s and caused him to collapse into a heap onto the ground.

Hera was laughing to herself as Harry lay on the ground, his face in utter shock as he leant up on his hands.

“I practice, everyday.” Her said, reaching out her hand.

Although Hera meant it as a joke, Harry did not look pleased. Ignoring her gesture to assist him up, Harry picked himself up from the ground and grabbed his sword off of the floor.

“Try that again.” He said.

Finally, a bit of man! Hera thought.

The Prince was stood in a defensive position, the stance a noble would take in a fixed fight.

Gripping onto her training sword, Hera lunged forward and struck at the Prince. To his defence, Harry managed to block off the attack, looking into Hera’s eyes in shock. He isn’t used to a woman fighting.

Striking again and again Hera kept advancing at the Prince who was just able to deflect her attack. When Hera jumped back, Harry was staring at her, she smiled back and said.

“Not as bad as I thought.”

With that, Harry charged at her, swinging his sword through the air. Hera could see the anger and the clumsiness of his strike and with ease pushed his attack to her side, landing a punch into his stomach and then kicking his shin, Harry fell to the ground.

He lay there, panting for air as Hera stood over him, not being able to stop herself from smiling.

Once again, she extended her hand to the defeated Prince. Looking back at her, he was clearly annoyed. Pushing her hand out of the way, Harry stood up and began to storm away from the training area.

“What’s wrong? Can’t handle getting beaten by a girl?!” Hera shouted as Harry stormed away, not replying.

I can’t believe I am to marry such a petty child. Hera thought.