Sado approached the cell with Freyjin at his back. He whistled a pleasant little tune and the bucket of water he swung casually at his side sloshed about over the stone floor. He wore his full kit, burnished black armor, a kite shield, sword, and helmet. Sado ran his hands delicately over some of it as he walked, as if fearing it would vanish with too rough a touch. ‘With so much enchanted gear, I almost feel like a Prince again.’ He thought with amusement.
Freyjin wore fine house clothing, green and black that shimmered in the low light, she stood out in her own way, and over her shoulder she carried a travel pack containing the military gear Vargas would need in the days ahead, “So you really think he’s alive, do you?” Sado asked with indifference.
“I do. You said yourself, that in that unit of twenty-five, which has some of the best of the best, only you and the mistress could probably beat him.” Freyjin spoke with confidence as she replied to her companion, “Besides, I’m sure you heard from the mistress herself, he survived against this ‘Dark Savior’ person. From how she put it, that puts him in a class by himself. I am certain he’s still alive in there.”
Sado took a slow, calming breath, “Maybe so, maybe so. However, let’s just say that as much as I’m going to miss your sword in the field, after what happened, I’m more comfortable with you being here.”
“Well, if somebody had to take my place, Sado, I know of nobody better than you.” Freyjin winked and he gave a comradely laugh.
“You’d have made a good noble with that silver tongue.” He replied as they arrived at the cell. He reached down to his belt and the cold metal keys jingled as he drew them out and shoved one into the lock. The clinking noise of metal and the faint smell of blood and body odor wafted to his nostrils.
The door opened with a long creaking sound, and Sado whistled as he closed the distance and dumped the bucket of cold water over Vargas’s face. Eyes flew open instantly as Vargas was shocked from his rest by the sudden chill.
“So you did live, I’ll inform your owner that you’ll be with us.” Sado said, and before Vargas could ask any questions, Sado tossed the bucket at the wall hard enough to shatter it, drew out a purple potion and dumped it over Vargas’s face.
The bones began to knit, the wounds closed up, the bruises faded to nothing, even the missing teeth grew back. However, Vargas did not rise from his back.
“I’ll be damned. I half expected the elf…” Vargas felt a foot come down over his throat, it pressed, but only lightly. The hazel eyes of the gold collared prince flashed with rage.
“Rephrase that, or I go down the rest of the way.” Sado said with lethal intent.
Vargas closed his eyes, slowly touched his hand to his forehead, and nodded, he spoke with contrition, “That our mistress…” Sado’s heavy boot came up a bit, “would have me killed after all. Really… I am sorry… but most of all…” He let his head tilt toward where Freyjin stood, “I am sorry for what I did to you.”
Freyjin didn’t respond, not even to nod, she just shrugged the shoulder that had his gear over it, and caught it deftly in one hand. She then laid it at his feet.
Sado spoke for her, “Get yourself ready, Sergeant Vargas. Your soldiers, human and elven alike, are waiting for you to lead them. Remember, other than those of us in this room, plus the lady and her teacher, nobody knows what you were. Nobody knows what really happened. Keep your mouth shut, slave, and your reputation is safe. Just don’t screw up, don’t turn on anyone, and do your best. If you do that, everyone will forget what you did.”
Vargas slowly sat up and reached for the pack, “I’ll be out in a few minutes, this won’t take long.” Then it hit him. “Wait, I’m keeping my rank after that?!” He stared upward with his hand still reaching for the strings that held his pack closed.
“Yes. Your elven owner decreed it herself. Since it is being treated as just a drunk training accident, and a first time mistake for an honored soldier, you’re being granted a second chance.” Sado’s scathing words hit like burning acid in Vargas’s veins, and he could not keep his eyes raised up.
“Well, shit.” He murmured, then resumed reaching for the string, he worked quickly, faster than Sado expected under the circumstances.
“Everybody has already eaten, we’re moving out in four hours once the lady of the house is done with her final preparations, you will be in the front right position of the lead unit. I will be on the far left, Onimeus will be front center beside the Duchessa. Any questions?” Sado asked while Vargas tossed off the sack and pulled on his undergarments, gambeson, and reached for his pants.
“You’re not happy about this, are you?” Vargas asked his former Prince.
“No, if it were up to me, I’d have done to you what she did to that orc who hurt Priceless, you’d be a red stain on the grass.” Sado said through clenched teeth, he seethed, but took no violent action. “If this had been a real drunken mistake I’d feel differently, I’m sure. But I saw your face when you went for the Lady Aiwenor.”
Vargas didn’t argue, “I might do the same in your position, and…” He briefly paused to squeeze his eyes shut tight and clutched at his brown hair with one hand, “I would thank you for it with my last breath…”
“If you want to die, we’re going to a fight that’ll get you killed quick enough. Take the sword for someone else and all your problems are over. Now hurry up, we won’t wait for long and Commander Onimeus wants to do an inspection before we move out.”
Vargas nodded and began to hurry while Sado wheeled about, “Freyjin, I think it’s best you come with me, I don’t trust him alone with you.”
For a moment she thought to object, her lips briefly parted and her ears lowered with displeasure, but she said nothing. ‘This only makes sense if… if he’s from the same country that once enslaved the Goddess of Will, no wonder she did all that to him… and no wonder Sado doesn’t want him alone with me. For that matter, that might be good advice, at least for now, regardless of what he said last night.’ It was not a comforting line of thought, she simply gave a slow nod, and left with Sado.
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Prince Rasgen woke up with his body entwined with that of Tir. What woke him wasn’t a noise, it was a smell, the scent of fresh cooked bacon, eggs, a silver tureen of thick stew, a cup of tea along with milk and a small bowl of sugar cubes. All were set on a tray a few feet from the bed, and just beyond the tray a young woman in a maid outfit sat on her heels with her head bowed and her hands resting on her thighs just above the knees. She was a pretty young woman with warm, green eyes and brown hair that tumbled down her back.
When he stirred, she spoke in a soft, lyric voice, “Good morning, Prince Rasgen. Would you care for breakfast?” She wore a pleasant smile on her face that was matched by a rosy blush, a silver collar around her throat revealed her status.
“Yes… yes I would. Open the windows first though, let some light in.” He said as he disentangled himself from his lover and stretched out in bed while the servant obeyed. The long slow pull of his muscles felt good, and he slowly swung his legs over the side of the bed.
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A Komestran might have averted their eyes to his nudity, but as she didn’t, he jumped to the obvious. “You’re Pasenian.”
“Yes, my lord. The Steward thought you would prefer to be served by someone of your city since we take the body in stride and they do not, or at least, not unless there is a lot of blood on it.” She crinkled her nose in distaste, but that had Rasgen’s attention.
“I don’t quite understand, slave. What do you mean ‘unless there is a lot of blood on it?”
“Just an expression that has sprung up here, everyone has seen the Komestran infantry and cavalry training, they’re not as free with their love, but they’re very free with their bruises. Some of us like to watch from the windows in our free time, even taking bets on which group will defeat which one.”
She was up and moving to set the tray on his lap. He lay back, resting himself against the headboard and stretching out his legs. She set the tray down, unfolding the legs beneath it before she asked, “Sugar or milk with your tea, my lord?”
“Both.” Rasgen answered and furrowed his brow, then glanced down at Tir, and the half formed thoughts vanished as she smiled in whatever happy dream she was having. His hand fell to her face and he began to caress it. The collar on her neck ate at him. Only the fact that she chose to remain, let him live with it at all. Still, it rankled.
“The mistress wanted to see you before she left, if that is acceptable to you, My Prince? Should I go and get her?” She asked when she finished stirring the tea.
The cup warmed his hands when he took it, and the rising steam did nothing to obscure the deep tan color. ‘Strong, I’ll bet.’ He thought and took a sip, even with the milk and sugar, he was right.
“Yes, if she’s awa… never mind, of course she’s awake.” He chortled at his own joke, and the slave joined him in his laughter.
“Yes my lord, she is. She slept in till sunrise this morning, but that is the latest I have ever heard of her rising. It’s part of why I don’t mind…” She touched the silver around her throat. “Because she works as hard as we do, and takes care of us. Last night she even asked my nephew how he was doing and praised his hard work.” She beamed brightly at the Prince, then lowered her eyes.
“Forgive me, master, such trivial things are of no concern to you.” She kept her gaze down until Rasgen spoke.
“No, actually those are the things that interest me most, I can tell a great deal about those who serve me by how they treat those who serve them. I’m glad I didn’t elevate her for nothing.” Rasgen said with a charming smile and took up a piece of crispy bacon. The crunch was different than what he was used to, but it was delicious, the flavor exploded on his tongue, and his eyes went wide open at the difference.
“Is this how Komestrans prepare bacon?!” Rasgen exclaimed in excitement and hastily snatched up another piece.
“No, master, this is from her country, she had the chef learn some of the ways of preparing food in the fashion that pleased her best. I would not presume to know the mind of a noblewoman, but I would surmise she wanted to offer you hospitality from her homeland as you have accepted her here.” The young slave remarked with a warm glow to her cheeks.
“I want it taught to my chefs as soon as possible, now, go and tell her I am awake and ready to see her.” Rasgen ordered with a charming and enthusiastic voice, it made the young woman blush, but she bowed and departed immediately.
Tir began to wake up and wrapped her arms around his waist. She nuzzled her face against his firm stomach and smiled blissfully without opening her eyes. “Good morning, my love…” She darted out her tongue and teased his skin just a bit.
He stroked her head, the strong fingers weaving their way through golden strands and down her bare back. “And good morning to you, Lod… Tir. Good morning to you, Tir.” He corrected himself and she slowly rose, unwinding herself from him, and setting her hands on the mattress, looking up into his eyes.
“You can call me whatever you like, my prince.” She touched his cheek, “I won’t complain.” She gave a bitter laugh, “Thanks to my bastard blood father, that’s how it is.”
She reached up and touched the collar around her throat, “Can I ask though… is it true… what I’ve heard from a few others? Did you really propose to her?”
“It is. I am sorry, Tir, but it is.” Prince Rasgen took her hand and squeezed it, “I assume that is why she wants to see me before she goes, to give me her answer.” He looked away from her toward the great window to the outside, light was streaming in and the city was slowly coming to life in the distance.
“I- I see. So that’s how it is.” Tir’s happiness melted away as the truth she’d denied, was revealed to be so. She drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around them, they remained beneath the rich blue silk sheets, and when he reached out to touch her head, she looked over at him. It was enough to make him draw his hand back. “I should have known, by the stars I’m stupid.”
“Tir… you know how this has to be. When Ulmin died, our chance died with him. Pas’en needs an heir, Sobella couldn’t provide that, and now…” he bit his tongue, it was a stupid thing to say and now he couldn’t unsay it.
“Now I can’t either, even if she set me free tomorrow, the best I can give you are footmen, groomsmen, butlers, maids… I’m nothing but a barely named peasant belonging to a powerful Duchessa.” Her lips tensed into a tight line.
“I never minded, you know, never cared once that anyone looked down on me for my indulgence. I did sometimes feel guilty about my husband’s embarrassment, maybe I wasn’t fair to punish him for marrying me. But I didn’t care because I truly loved you and Sobella. It was happiness, being with both of you, and how could I apologize for happiness? Why should I have had to give up on the person I loved, because of a person who didn’t love me, and whom I didn’t love either?” She blinked back bitter tears.
“Now here we are, you’re still a Prince, and the best I can be is a whore in your harem, a gift of the lady you marry, kept in some isolated cabin, sight unseen… it isn’t fair! I didn’t do it! I didn’t ask for this! I should have been with you, you should have been with me! That’s how we were supposed to be!” She couldn’t look at him, she lowered her face between her knees.
“She offered to set you free…” Rasgen stammered as he watched her break down beside him.
It was no better a thing to say than his last utterance. “Lucky me, master!” Tir replied, “I get to be a free whore to my Prince and live in exile somewhere so nobody knows I’m your dirty little secret! How will that work?! I’ll have your children, raise them alone till they’re of age, then send your sons and daughters to you as servants who are entitled to nothing because they fell from the belly of a freed slave!”
Rasgen fell to silence, he reached out to touch her arm, “Tir, if I could…”
“I lied, you know.” She stated abruptly.
“Lied?” He asked and tried to replay everything they’d said.
“To myself. First to convince myself you’d done everything, then… I was so happy to see you again, that I wanted to convince you I believed that. The truth is different, now, knowing you’ve proposed to the Duchessa as if I had never existed in the first place, I can say this.” Tir wiped her eyes and gave him a long, hard look.
“You could have. But you didn’t. When it came down to the moment of decision, I was disposable, because your power wasn’t. Maybe I wouldn’t have minded if I could have stayed with you, in the palace in the open… where I could have seen you love the children I give to you, where I could have placed them in your arms and watched you hold them. But as beautiful as last night was… it was just the dying of a dream. I’m awake now…” She finally brought her face closer to his, “You set me aside, I risked, and lost everything, now look at me? We had our fun, but I pay the price, knowing I am innocent, you’re still prepared to live with that.”
“So now what’s left for me, huh… my lord? The Duchessa will probably marry you, you’ll have your night together, and you’ll fall in love with her, because that is part of who you are.” She gave a bittersweet, half smile through her tears.
“Love, Tir… I love you. This is just politics, I like her, yes. I call her ‘friend’ but you...” He said and grasped her hand, his earnest green eyes looked deeply into her shimmering gaze.
Tir put a finger to his lips, “I know you do… I know, now. But that is because I know you, Rasgen. You’ll fall in love with her because that is who you are, and it is what I love about you. But that is how it will go. You will make love to her, she will present you with an heir, and you will love that child, and because she gave it to you, you will love her. Maybe sometimes you’ll come for me, and I will lie to myself and pretend I have a future as your favorite whore. I’ll hide out somewhere and wait day after day for you, and hope for a child just to stave off my empty days. They’ll grow up, you’ll love them… but they’ll never be eligible for anything. They’ll go to your palace, and spend their days opening doors and shining the boots of the half siblings of their betters, because they came from me… and what am I?!” She finally exclaimed.
“You’re… someone I love.” Rasgen answered, and dove for Tir’s lips, kissing her hard on the mouth, fiercely as they had done the night before.
The sound of rustling sheets and the sweet taste of the lips he loved, became his world and their tongues briefly dueled, before she broke the kiss and put a hand on his bare chest and pushed away.
Her voice began choked, but grew stronger as the bitterness crystallized into anger. “The woman you loved, her name was Lodira. She died in a cage after riding a slave trader hard enough to make her worth gold coins. I’m just ‘Tir’ now, and ‘Tir’ is making a choice. I don’t want that life. Tir lives only to serve her mistress in exchange for the most brutal and destructive revenge she can possibly see brought down on the heads of those who destroyed Lodira’s life. If you loved that woman, Rasgen… promise me two things.”
“What?” Rasgen asked, “If there is anything I can do…?”
“Help the Duchessa with my revenge. Make them pay for what they did. And also… whenever you come to see me, forget the woman you loved. I tried so hard last night to pretend that for a little while, for the night, I convinced myself I could still be her. But this morning? I couldn’t be more bitter, this is worse than I imagined now that I know you’ve proposed to another woman. Can you give me that?” Tir asked, and Rasgen didn’t move as he tried to process it all.
“Do I have to prostrate myself…?” She asked, and he shook his head.
“No… I will grant your request. The House of Valoisin will end, one way or another. As to the second… I can’t look at you without seeing my first love, the girl I promised myself I’d marry one day. I don’t know how I can make you happy through all this… but let me promise instead that I will find a way.” Prince Rasgen answered, and Tir’s bitter smile grew.
“You are very much yourself, my prince. Very much yourself, that will have to do instead, I suppose.” Tir replied before a knock at the door interrupted them.
“It’s me.” Nua said before the question could be asked.
“I can do this later…?” Rasgen looked away from the door and over to Tir, who lowered her head in misery.
“No… if this is how it is going to be, I might as well see it, what does it matter, bring her in.” Tir replied and refused to raise her head.
“Come in.” Rasgen said bracing himself for what was to follow.