Robert drank deeply from his bowl of wine. Shaking his head at what had taken place. This morning, he was enjoying a beautiful woman in his bed, and looking forward to the potential of what his new life would bring.

“Fuck…” He sighed.

“You poor man…” Dio’mar mocked. “It looks like… you will have to settle for JUST… a queen…”

“Shut up…” He said, his mind lubricated by the alcohol. “It’s more than just that and you know it. I actually like Demessa, is that so hard to believe?”

“Alektor spoke words of wisdom… love does not conquer all… Your former mate Katrina… she said she loved you… and now she is gone.”

Robert scoffed. “I don’t care. She can do what she wants, fuck who she wants to fuck. I moved on, and that’s it.”

The door to the study he was currently occupying opened smoothly, and Robert turned to see Demessa enter with a slight bow. Her face was straight, and unaffected, but her eyes harbored a torrent of emotion.

Robert hung his head and took another long drink. “So you’ve heard…” he said, after putting the bowl on a small table.

“I have.” She said, walking to stand before him.

He looked up at her from where he sat, but couldn’t bear to meet her eyes. “We’re all just… pawns to these people. Worthless to them all in the end.”

“Reku, you don’t have to justify yourself.” She said, kneeling to clutch his hand. “We knew this day would come. The King was very understanding to our situation, and allowed it for as long as he did… I’m thankful for that… and the time we’ve spent together.”

“This is bullshit.” He clenched his jaw in frustration. “He told me he was going to marry me off to Ambrosia! Then, he changed his fucking mind! To send me to Visgo, with a woman I don’t even know!” He lifted his hands and scoffed. “I mean, what the hell am I supposed to do about this? I guess just sit here and take it, because I let him talk me into agreeing with him.”

Demessa’s eyes focused on his, and tears welled in them. “Your passion is understandable, but we do what we must for the clan. Rexun will benefit greatly from this union… and… and that’s what’s important.”

Robert leaned forward to embrace her, she did the same, but pulled her face away when he tried to kiss her. Robert’s face soured at the gesture, but he said nothing.

“We can’t see each other like this anymore… Perhaps with Ambrosia we could have… but Athica is different. She will be difficult to deal with. Honestly I don’t know how you’ll manage… you’re sweet, and gentle at heart.”

“I’ll manage.” He said.

“The Visgo are treacherous, you’ve seen that for yourself. Mundiri found herself at the end of such a plot, that you only played a part in. The nobles will scheme to manipulate you, to gain leverage over you.” She looked at him, almost in pity.

“I… will not allow it…” Dio’mar said, manifesting on his shoulder.

Demessa quickly stood to her feet, and backed away in shock. “Dio’mar…” she said, falling back to her knees and pressing her head to the stone floor.

“Please… child… that is… unnecessary.” She said, her little mouth curling. “What you say is true… The Visgo will try… to move against you… They are known for this… But I see all… I hear all… they will never have what they want…”

Robert looked at Demessa and leaned forward to help her from her low bow. “Dio’s just a little dramatic, that’s all. You can relax around her.” The Dae girl followed, but was visibly shaken.

“Like I said, I’ll manage. Mainly because I have something they don’t. An ancient spirit as a friend. And with you watching my back as well, they won’t stand a chance.”

“Reku, I can’t go with you. Athica will have me killed if she knew about us. Even if she had no interest in you at all, you’ll be the King.” She shook her head. “I can’t go… I wouldn’t… the temptation would be too great for us both… please. You must let me stay here.”

Robert let out a deep breath and embraced her. “I hate this.”

~

The next day brought a sufficient amount of movement in preparation for the royal wedding. It was both acting as a celebration of the election of a new High King of the coalition, and a joining of two royal members of Eleutheros’ clans. Robert drank himself to sleep the night prior, and struggled to get from his bed.

“Good morning!” Turak said, throwing his blankets from him. “It is time for you to wake yourself, and prepare for the big day.” His feral grin brought a scowl to Robert’s face, but with great effort, he roused himself finally.

Dozens of servants poured in, dressing and preparing him for what would surely be a long and abhorrent experience. He was clad in a fine grey cloak, that almost shined like silver in the light. Embroidered by golden patterns of large beasts, and depictions of the great spirits. Beneath, he wore smooth, silk-like clothing, and a thinner bone breastplate, carved with magnificently small and detailed designs. In the end, he could not help but to admire himself in the mirror, and nod in approval.

“There.” Turak slapped him on the back. “Now you look like a king.”

They moved their way out of the Ignos palace, and onto a large garden that also overlooked the city below. The area was packed with hundreds of nobles and warriors, wearing colors of all clans in the coalition. As he approached, Robert found that the joining or marriage ceremony of these people was very similar to that of his own world. The thought brought little comfort however, he had never believed he would marry until much later in his life, even back on Earth. Now here he was, about to marry a stranger, and a Dae. He was brought before a large altar, where Alektor stood, wearing a more impressive crown than usual, and dressed similarly to Robert.

“Reku.” Alektor nodded, smiling at him. “You certainly look the part.”

Robert nodded in return, but said nothing. He felt numb inside; nothing but a pit of despair that clawed at him, urging him to escape this madness. What the hell have I gotten myself into this time? He thought.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

As they waited, music was being played, and the crowd of guests swelled even larger. Finally, the music changed, and a score of Dae children began to sing a hymn of some kind. Athica began to move forward, wearing a dress that billowed behind her as she walked. It rose high around her neck, and of a deep shade of yellow. The color complimented her skin, and more than amplified her fiery red eyes. She strode to stand beside him, looking to Alektor with a nod. The music stopped as she settled, and several moments passed in silence.

“My friends!” Alektor said, his voice booming over the crowd. “Today is a day of celebration and festivities. A day of love, and loyalty, to those who would see our clans risen by a tide of favor and success!”

The crowd applauded, and shouted praise at the words.

“We are truly blessed by the spirits.” He continued. “That my brother! Reku of House Roh would enter the House of Krat, by joining with the beautiful and noble, Queen Athica. And I would be remiss if I were to deny that it brings me great pleasure to welcome her, into my house as well. A sister, of great wisdom, and mercy.”

More cheers and applause ensued. Robert closed his eyes and breathed hard. Attempting to keep his expression neutral. He sure knows how to put on a damn show. He thought.

Alektor blustered for nearly twenty minutes more, softening the crowd, and finally held his hands out to the two. “Will you swear, to be faithful and just to each other, as partners in this great life? To rule your hearts in all ways, so that love may flourish above temptation or anger?”

Athica looked to Robert finally, something she had clearly refrained from doing thus far. Her eyes blazed at him, with pure determination and fear. “I swear…” She said, her voice strong, but unsure.”

All eyes fell on Robert, who spent precious seconds in contemplation. He blinked rapidly, and felt the sweat dripping down his back. “I… uh… I swear.” He finally croaked.

There was a cheer from the crowd, as Alektor bound their hands together in a long ribbon. With a gesture of his hand, the ribbon burst into flames, and evaporated in a puff of black smoke.

The ceremony then moved to the large throne room within the palace, that had been filled with tables and chairs to host their guests. Another several hours of entertainment and festivities occurred, thankfully pulling the two apart to mingle with other attendees. Robert did his best to stay interested in the menial conversations that came his way, cursing himself for getting drunk last night, and souring his stomach to wine today. As the time passed, he looked as hard as he could for someone that he knew to keep him company. There was no one, Alektor was meeting with the other kings, and Turak was no doubt surrounded by noblewomen, trying to seduce them.

“Do not fret…” Dio’mar’s voice rang.

Right on cue. He thought to her. I don’t know what I would do without you… seriously.

“Please… you know exactly what… you’d be dead.” She giggled. “Where is your new mate? She has barely acknowledged your existence today… perhaps she is as scared and uncomfortable as you…”

What? No, she’s maybe a bit up tight, but I wouldn't say she’s scared. Have you seen the way she is?

“It is all a front… Robert… do you think she does not fear Alektor? He made it clear to her… that she must follow his lead… or suffer for it…”

When? They went back and forth about it. He didn’t threaten her at all. He looked around at the guests, trying to excuse himself as they approached to congratulate him. They had no idea he was having a full telepathic conversation with an ancient spirit already.

“The dance is more complex than what you observed… She agreed to this… because Alektor willed it… She wanted you as a pet, not a mate… she was out maneuvered… not because he is more cunning than she… but because she recognized the ruthlessness behind his smile…” She chuckled a tiny chuckle.

Robert said nothing, but looked to find her, somehow feeling sorry for the queen. Or his wife now, he supposed. That’s gonna take some getting used to.

As the hours ticked by, Alektor appeared again, and announced that it was time for the party to come to an end. At least for the two mated rulers. Rexunii elite guards arrived, and cleared a path for them both, showing them to their room.

They met in-between the columns of warriors, and walked side by side through the palace, before coming to his chamber door. The guards that escorted them, stood on either side of it, and with a smooth sound, the entrance slid open. Robert gulped and held out his hand, allowing her to enter first.

The door slid closed, and for the first time. He was alone with his new wife.

Silence surrounded them, and she faced the balcony, looking at the night sky.

“Look.” He said, unsure of what to say exactly. “You know… I uh…” He stopped, looking around for something, anything to help the situation.

“Reku.” She said, turning to face him. Rolling his name in her mouth, as if testing it out. “We are both aware of what this is. And I am sure you are as skeptical as I am about this. I must admit that I underestimated your clan.” She took a step toward him. “But not you… I knew that the Spirit-Sent, who walked into my palace in Visgo, and toppled a Queen without spilling any blood… would be impressive. But you were a curiosity, and your power something we did not understand.” She raised her hands to touch his. “I am your Queen now, and we must find a way to live with one another.”

Robert opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind and said nothing.

She glanced toward the large bed, and took in a deep breath. “How many have you been with in our world? Alektor assures me that you will be able to… mate with Dae.”

Robert coughed. “Well, I mean… uh… Dae girls? Only one other.”

She studied him, his face in all its detail. “I must admit, I am quite curious about it.” She smiled and held her arms out to the side. “Very well then, you may undress me.”

Robert’s face twisted into a forced smile. Not very romantic. He thought.

“Stop stalling…” Dio’mar said in his head. “Get to it…”

Dio! Get the hell out of here! He thought to her.

She paused for a long moment, then bluntly said, “No…”

He took in a deep breath and pushed the little annoying spirit from his mind. Looking at the Queen, he resolved to do his duty. He had been in his small relationship with Demessa, but now? Again, he was torn. He took several moments to process, then came to his decision. He had to do it. And if he was, it was best to prove himself to her. He would not be belittled by her, or anyone else ever again. And if he was going to spend his life with this woman, she would respect him as he would her. He began to unlace the elaborate dress around her, and decided to impress her with a display of a bit of his power. Black wind began to swirl about her body, and it seemed to all come apart at once. Within a few moments she stood before him, in her undergarments, stunned at the efficiency.

“It took me twenty servants and two hours to put that on.” She said. “I am impressed.”

Robert smiled, and held his arms out to the side as she did.

She cocked an eyebrow at him, and his smile broadened. “Well, Mine won’t take too long.” He said.

She pondered a moment, clearly not used to being treated this way, but began to disrobe him. He looked over her body in its entirety. She was smaller than Demessa, but he found her slender beauty more than alluring. Her garments covered most of her body still, but he could see her shape clearly. Her hips were wide, but tame, and her breasts, though smaller than Demessa’s, were quite distracting.

She removed his cloak and shirt, revealing his many scars and wounds from his torture at the hands of the Espi-Dae. She paused for a moment, glancing up at him sympathetically, but continued. After his trousers and boots were removed, she stood back to admire him. Her eyes rested on his right hand, and he held it up to her.

“If this bothers you.” He closed his eyes and it blurred into a normal looking hand.

She shook her head and smiled. “I find it quite attractive actually. It seems so…” She looked at him, hunger now in her eyes. “Masculine.”

Masculine? He thought, remembering that back on his own world he was of more of a liberal mindset. There, he thought negatively of the word, but here? Standing in front of a beautiful woman, his manhood hanging out? He thought he finally knew what it meant. With that, he smiled and took her in his arms. Her eyes locked with his, and he saw them brighten with delight. He kissed her then, testing her gently at first, then slowly deepening it with passion. While embraced he felt her garment fall to the floor, and her warm body press against him.

“Remember…” Dio’mar said in his mind. “In the--”

Go away! He thought to her.