Sacrifice and Acclimation

[Perplexia]

Queen Clara paced in front of the large hearth as she read the latest reports. There was a rebellion in the south that was threatening to move on the villages in her providence. Her armies had suffered a giant blow with the epidemic of small pox that claimed so many of the young recruits.

She needed help, and this meant that she needed an alliance with the country of Caliberia. Despite their different beliefs her belated husband and the King had been on friendly terms. She had met him a couple of times. He was a bit younger then her and her husband were. Yet he seemed wise beyond his years.

The didn't have the gold to purchase the armies that were necessary. If the King wouldn't lend them to her, he would be looking for a payment in the form of a wife. With only one daughter, it wasn't a guess to be what he'd ask for. But she had to ask and hope that he wouldn't. If he did she was in a position not to deny him.

Composing a letter requesting aid was difficult. She used all of the diplomatic arguments and reasoning she could determine outlining her plan on how they would reimburse for the expense plus interest. With her hopes that he would except and not counter offer she sent the letter on its way.

Summoning her daughter before her she stared at the fire gathering her words.
Kaitlynn just now 19 looked at her mother worryingly as she twirled her golden locks. Her sea blue eyes watched her scanning her trying to make reason for the look of somber across her face.

"Sometimes" her mother started. "As rulers we must make sacrifices for our country and our people. We are not just their leaders but the servant of the people."

"yes mother" Kaitlynn replied having heard this speech in the past.
"You are aware that with the empidemic of small pox, it left our ranks short. In order to squash the rebellion we need more armies. That requires money, money that we don't have set aside for it. Our kingdom is only half the size of Calberia. Yet they are the closest we have to allies. So I have written the King to ask for assistance. I am hoping he accepts my payment plan that I have set before him. But he is a wise King without a wife. He knows that for his kingdom to remain strong he needs an heir, and for that he needs a wife.

I wanted you to be aware of the strong possibility that he will ask for your hand in order to aid us, and I will agree."

Kaitlynn sat silent for a moment as she processed everything her mother said. "But they treat women like cattle" she finally sputtered.
"I know their ways are different then ours. But remember about what I said about sacrifice. You will be doing this to serve your country and for the survival of your people. Your father had great things to say about the man, I think you need to be open to accepting the customs of what could be your new home very soon."

Kaitlynn had been brought up well in a loving environment. She had a kind hard from her mother and a curiosity of life from her father. His death had been hard on them. In order for his legacy to remain in tact she had no choice if it came down to it.

A few days passed before a response to the letter was met with an invitation for the Queen to meet and discuss her request.

 

[silvertongue217]

The invitation came with the plans

The King Mariks of the nation of Caliberia would come the following week to stay and to discuss the arrangements. His arrival would not be grand or heralded with a part as he stated in his letters that he was there to speak business and to help an old friend.

He came in one simple carriage on a rainy night in the kingdom. He brought with him no servants and so when he strode into the halls of the castle and cast aside his traveling cloak no one knew who he was.

At first

The man was handsome broad shouldered and tall. His head was shaved and he had a long black goatee that spoke of his western nationality. He was a handsome man with a deep tan and a foreign dangerous look that made him look more a rogue than a king.

"Tell the Queen I shall meet her in her office" King Marik siad handing one of the attendants a paper with his royal seal "I shall find it I know where it is"

He waved them off smiling and nodding his head at them as he refuted their offer to escort him. He was firm but not mean merely stating that the castle had history for him and he knew it well. They finally let him go and he wandered stroking some paintings and taking it all in as he made his way to the office.

"Good to know she hasnt changed it since the kings passing" He said stepping in and taking it in as his purple and gold robes swished against the stone. He sat down and waited listening for the door to open. Once it did he rose turning and bowing his head at the new arrivals.

 

[Perplexia]

The servant came in to inform of the arrival of King Marek, and handed her his seal. Queen Clara patted the hand of her daughter and rose from her chair followed by a servant who began pouring their drinks as she greeted him.

"King Marek, it is a pleasure to see you. Thank you for making the trip to see me and discuss what will hopefully be a beneficial alliance for the both of us. Please sit, and try our latest wine. If I remember correctly you were always fond of it." She smiled motioning to his chair and took a seat across from him.

"Would you like anything to eat before we get started?" she questioned.

 

[silvertongue217]

"My dear Queen you are looking lovely as always" Marik said bowing to kiss Clara's hand and let her come into the office.

"And where is the princess?!" Marik asked his eyes sweeping the room with a smile before turning to the Queen and sitting down "I have heard she has grown up to be quite fetching! And A true princess to boot! I hope your not hiding her from me" He said his lips curling back to show a roguish smile.

He turned shaking his head at her offer of food "I will eat later after we discuss business it is my pleasure to let you know that my forces are on their way by ship led by one of my best generals I have left them standing orders to join your men at the fort and to begin pushing back the bandits"

He took the wine sloshing it around and eyeing it before taking a sip "Now you know why I have came here?" He asked raising an eyebrow pulling a ring box out of his robes and placing it on the desk for the Queen to see.

 

[Perplexia]

The Queen smiled and nodded as he said he'd eat later. "I thought it was best if we discuss matters of state out of her presence. But thank you yes, she has grown up to be quite a beautiful lady."

There wasn't too much of a surprise that covered her face when he placed the ring on the table. She closed her eyes and gave a slight nod.

"I had hoped that my proposal would have been sufficient. But I was prepared for your counter offer which I believed would be the hand of my daughter. I worry that her transition to your customs may be a bit of a challenge since we have such different perspectives of a woman's role. Yet at the same time I am quite humbled that even despite that you take the time to meet me and discuss it. It is a true compliment to your character King Marik."

Smiling with a sad smile she lifted her drink to her lips and took a sip. "Please let us be candid and tell me what you are offering and the cost so we may agree and be on our way to a wonderful meal."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I agree I do so find beating around the bush to be tedious" Marik said with a wave of his hand.

"My terms are simple either your daughter and I will work well together and as such marry and unify our two nations or we will not and thus you will in time and with interest pay me back for my armies use" Marik said taking a slow measured sip "I will leave it open as so that way your daughter does not feel beholden to having to marry me for the sake of the kingdom"

"If we do not work well together then you will pay me back for my army do not worry it will be at a steal in honor or your late husband and our friendship together I wont charge much and the interest will be very little just enough to cover the cost as I will feed and supply them as well any bounty collected from the bandits shall be mine but will be taken to the overall charge of using my army" Marik explained pulling a scroll out of his robes.

"The treat and contract" He said placing it down "If you can I would like you to bring your daughter in so she can be made aware of what is to become"

 

[Perplexia]

Queen Clara looked at him slightly bewildered. "I do have to say King Marik that is a bit more generous then i anticipated. I was under the impression that you would simply wish to exchange her as part of the barter. Not that you would be willing to court her and make a determination on your compatibility. She will be quite relieved to hear it i'm certain."

With a wave of her hand the servant went off to fetch the Princess. Soon she entered the office and curtsied low to the King. "Your Highness, it has been quite some time since we've had the pleasure, it is good to see you again."

"Come sit" Clara ordered her daughter who complied. "King Marik has made the request to court you and I have given him my blessing."

Kaitlynn looked to her mother an the King a bit confused and looking for a better explanation.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Your mother is putting it... more delicately than I would have liked" Marik said smiling at the Queen "I know you meant no harm but I prefer her to be aware of whats going on fully in this case."

"As a means to strengthen our two kingdoms and bond them permanently I have decided to ask for your hand in marriage" Marik said speaking plainly "I have supplied your mother with what she needs in the form of troops and if it doesnt work between you and I she knows she will pay me back" He told her nodding at the Queen.

"So I mean to court you which means you coming back to my country at times with me and learning the ways of my people" Marik said drinking his wine "I am sure you have heard... unsavory mentions of my people and our culture and I wish to show you the truth and what you stand to inherit"

 

[Perplexia]

Kaitlynn listened and took in all that was being said. She also took in that even if things didn't work out he was still willing to help her mother. There was more to this man then the rumors, and a reason that her father held his friendship so highly.

"My father taught me that only a fool jumps to conclusions without witnessing the truth face on. Your Majesty." Kaitlynn replied. "I accept your proposal and look forward to learning more about your people and your customs. I will be happy to visit your country at your convenience."

Her sky blue eyes took him in. He was handsome in his own right, and there was definitely more to him then she had heard. It would be an interesting education. Though she wasn't certain she would ever be able to see a man as the superior gender. Of course that was another rumor. The trick to surviving this would require that she had an open mind. For her kingdom she would be willing to learn the truth.

 

[silvertongue217]

"good thats what I like to here" Marik said rising and plucking his wine up "I shall be here for a few days if of course thats all right with you my Queen?"

"I want to get to know you more in your native area before we move to mine" Marik explained making a sweeping gesture with his hand "Then we can make the arrangement to go back and take it from there"

"Now I believe you said some thing about food My Queen?" He said turning and raising an eyebrow "if your ready to eat so am I!"

 

[Perplexia]

"Of course King Marik you're welcome to stay as long as you wish. We will be grateful for your company. We will have a room prepared for you immediately. Kaitlynn will take you to the dining room while I see to a few things."

Kaitlynn nodded as her mother left the two of them. Rising she took his arm and began to walk with him to the Dining room. "My life is pretty simple in reality" she began to explain to him. "I get up in the morning and after breakfast take some baskets to those who have fallen on hard times due to illness and such. After which I tell stories to the orphans, and have lunch. Then I either go riding, or enjoy the garden, or enjoy a book. Not really anything all that interesting. What is the normal day like of a woman in your kingdom?"

 

[silvertongue217]

The king laughed smiling a little at her admission "My dear I do not count any of those things to be what you call simple....."

They moved into the main dining hall and Marik turned reaching out to gently touch her cheek "I do not think your quite ready to know what a day for a woman in my kingdom is like.... sufficient to say you will still be allowed to do the things you like read to kids give basket and what not but you will also be performing duties as my Queen both of a sexual nature and helping me with the running of the kingdom I do not believe a dumb or ignorant wife makes for a good wife like some kings might think"

 

[Perplexia]

Kaitlynn froze when he mentioned doing things of a sexual nature. Her eyes widened a bit at the mentioning of it. "You of course mean sir if i were to agree to become your Queen, not before."

She wanted to be sure that this was clarified. With most countries it was custom for a woman to keep their virtue until they were wed. His kingdom, there were all sorts of tales and she needed to be sure they were on the same page.

 

[silvertongue217]

"If your asking if I have plans to have sex with you before you and I are married then the answer is now" Marik said simply as he turned to head for the main dining table where royalty sat.

"But that does not mean you wont learn how to satisfy me"

 

[Perplexia]

Kaitlynns mouth gaped open when he advised her she would be learning how to satisfy him. "I am not quite sure what to make of that statement King Marik. I would be interested in a clearer explanation so that my mind does not make the wrong assumption and result in a brash response. As I'm sure you are aware the relations between a man and a woman are considered sacred and for the marital chambers. Anything prior to that is considered promiscuous behavior and not becoming of a lady much less a princess. I shall be happy to get to know about your country and some of your ways. But i shan't be sacrificing any of my virtues or ideals in the pursuit of them."

Smiling politely she took a seat at the table.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Do not worry princess" Marik said laughing and moving to his own seat. The minute they were seated the opening course came out brought to them and given with a slight bow.

"I have no reason to soil your reputation" Marik told her waiting for her to eat before he began to do so "But I do want you to be informed so there will be... instructors of sort that will show you what to do as well as books"

"Nothing as I said that will be unseamly but you must understand princess my people and my customs approach sex much more.... well much more freely than most others it is some thing you are going to have to get used to but dont worry I will not put you in a position you are uncomfortable in"

 

[Perplexia]

Kaitlynn seemed to breath a little easier with his assurance that he wouldn't place her in an uncomfortable situation. She knew what he said was true. It was well known that their countries attitude on desires of the flesh were more open and widely accepted.

In retrospect, some instruction on the subject could benefit her whether she chose to marry him or someone else.

Her mother joined them late for dinner and the conversation changed to more light conversation. Their countries joining together was a good move. She would of course have stipulations that their traditions and customs would not be forced upon to change. But that was something for another conversation.

Instead she glanced at him on occasion during dinner taking in his rugged beauty and mystery. Yes he was a bit older then her, but not enough to be a significant difference. He was a well respected ruler and she could learn a lot from him.

"After dinner King Marik I would feel most privileged if you would join me for a walk in the garden. I will be happy to begin getting to know each other."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I think that would be a good idea" Marik said glancing over from his conversations with her mother "We have much to discuss and I prefer to do it away from the prying eyes of court"

He patted her hand and with that moved back to talk to the Queen. He assured her that he would let the Queen rule and keep their governments and beliefs seperate at least until any children they had and future rulers decreed other wise. He was an effortless speaker and soon every one was laughing and at ease with him.

"I am afraid I shall have to bid you all a night" Marik said rising "I have plans to speak to my bride to be alone in the gardens if you wish to have one of your men watch My Queen please have him do so from a safe distance I do not like eves dropper"

 

[Perplexia]

Kaitlynn picked her napkin up from her lap and laid it on her plate signalling she was done eating and rose to join him for their walk. It was a bit abrupt, he was certainly use to getting his own way.

The Queen nodded and motioned for one of her men to keep an eye from a distance in order to ensure their privacy. She was overjoyed that her daughter was considering it. Given the option she thought she may simply refuse, but the fact she was putting forth an effort told her a great deal about her daughters character.

Taking his arm they walked out into the cool night fragrance air of the garden. Her spare hand dangled and touched the plants as the slowly walked by. "King Marik, you could have simply chosen to require me to be your bride, yet you did not. Which installs me a bit of confidence in your character. But what I don't understand is why you are even entertaining the idea of me as a bride. We come from very different traditions and customs. I know that you would like me to learn and convert to yours. Yet you also expressed interest in knowing mine. Will you be planning on converting some of your ways as well?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"Well for starters your ask excellent questions" Marik said smirking in pleasure at her words as they began to walk.

"I do not believe in any one being forced into some thing they do not want.... I could have very much forced you to or made it a requirement but I prefer these things to be.... reciprocated as I have no desire to live in a one sided relationship and you will find in my kingdom that the woman and men who live in it choose to accept our customs and yes even the woman do"

"I have no plans on converting per say but I do think what makes our world so unique is the different opinions every one have if I decide I am in love with you and like you enough that I can over look any difference we might have then I would simply not let them let in the way though there are some things I will not budge on as well"

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled softly as she listened to him. It took her back a bit that he mentioned that he would need to love her. This was certainly not something she was accustom with. "Here we tend to look at marriage as a beneficial arrangement. In time if some are lucky enough they find this love that you speak of." With a few moments of quiet she added. "I can see how this would be beneficial to have before the union. It would certainly make more things agreeable and create euphoric joy on the day they wed."

"I can also understand how the difference of opinions can be both a positive and negative thing in a relationship. I think in some ways we are a lot more chase in some of or traditions. Some even perhaps due to ignorance."

"I find you both dangerous and mysterious King Marik. It makes me what to investigate more of your true nature, and yet at the same time I'm afraid to."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Fear isnt a bad thing" Marik said smiling and stopping them on the edge of the gardens. He turned to face her gently cupping her cheek and locking eyes.

"It can make us cautious where we need to be bold, it can help us to think a situation through more assuredly and it can save us when we need it however my dear I assure you that you have no reason to be afraid of me, my interest and desire in you I believe I have made very apparent"

He leaned in gently kissing her cheek before stepping back and smiling "I have much to show you and teach you princess there are many pleasures to be had in a marriage if one is willing to find them"

 

[Perplexia]

She blushed softly as his tender kiss caressed her cheek. Her eyes looked up at his from beneath her lashes. "I shall endeavor to be brave then King Marik. I look forward to learning more and having my mind challenged with new ideas and perspectives."

There was a new sensation in her stomach which could be best described as butterflies. Though she wasn't sure if it was from her nerves or from the closeness that his body was to hers.

"Have you been looking for a bride for long?" she questioned wondering if this had been a quest he had been on.

 

[silvertongue217]

"The honest answer?" Marik asked grinning

"No I knew I was going to have you as my bride one day or at least court you" Marik explained as they continued their walk "And so I have bided my time waited for the right opportunity to present it self you will find I am very much like that I wait I wait and I watch and above all else I plan"

"I want you to come back with me" Marik explained to her "I am leaving at the end of the week to go back to my country if every thing goes well I would like it if you came back with me"

 

[Perplexia]

She was a bit confused by his confession. Why would someone wait for the opportunity to begin to court someone they barely knew. She found herself nodding in agreement with his request that if all goes well he wished for her to join him back at his castle.

"Why would you make plans and place hopes on a person you barely know?" she questioned turning to him with confusion in her eyes as they stood under the moon. Her breath hitched at his closeness.