Timeless Love
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Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Aryn
She nodded her head, she was alright in her actions. She kissed him back when he touched her lips with his own, melting into him again. She sighed, but pulled back when she heard someone walking. He took her a round about way back into the palace, calling on his guards and Safia. She came down the hallway in a hurry calling out to him. Aryn held her silence, and felt Safia tugging her along with her as Jamil turned and started walking back down the hallway. She jerked her hand out of Safia's and ran after him.
"Wait.. Please!" he stopped and turned as she came up to him. She hugged him to her tightly and whispered in his ear.
"return safely to me, I can not bare to lose you now that I have found you.." She didnt hint at her meaning but kissed his cheek softly and ran back down the hallway to Safia. The elder woman glared at her for her unlady like behavior and took her into the harem. She was going to lecture Aryn, and Aryn knew it. But once she walked into the Harem she began weeding out guards. Until finally one stood inside by their door, two by the outter doors and two in the hallway. She led Aryn to a private room and told her to get some rest. She listened as Safia talked to the other women in the Harem a moment, then herself turned into bed for the night. Aryn tried to sleep, but couldnt. She tossed and turned for a long time, trying to get to sleep. But Jamil's kisses, eyes and worry kept her awake.
She nodded her head, she was alright in her actions. She kissed him back when he touched her lips with his own, melting into him again. She sighed, but pulled back when she heard someone walking. He took her a round about way back into the palace, calling on his guards and Safia. She came down the hallway in a hurry calling out to him. Aryn held her silence, and felt Safia tugging her along with her as Jamil turned and started walking back down the hallway. She jerked her hand out of Safia's and ran after him.
"Wait.. Please!" he stopped and turned as she came up to him. She hugged him to her tightly and whispered in his ear.
"return safely to me, I can not bare to lose you now that I have found you.." She didnt hint at her meaning but kissed his cheek softly and ran back down the hallway to Safia. The elder woman glared at her for her unlady like behavior and took her into the harem. She was going to lecture Aryn, and Aryn knew it. But once she walked into the Harem she began weeding out guards. Until finally one stood inside by their door, two by the outter doors and two in the hallway. She led Aryn to a private room and told her to get some rest. She listened as Safia talked to the other women in the Harem a moment, then herself turned into bed for the night. Aryn tried to sleep, but couldnt. She tossed and turned for a long time, trying to get to sleep. But Jamil's kisses, eyes and worry kept her awake.
Jamil
It was three nights later that Jamil found himself walking past the guards stationed at the harem doors and into the room itself. Most of the women in the room were sleeping but those that caught sight of him bowed low, head to the floor and he nodded his acknowledgement to them as he strode purposefully to the chambers beside Safia's.
Moving the curtains aside he smiled as he looked upon Aryn's sleeping figure. She seemed to be tossing and turning in her sleep and he sat down beside her gathering her up in his arms feeling comfort in having her in them. He kissed her eyelids and cheeks lightly before kissing her mouth and then he smiled down at her as her eyes opened sleepily. He knew the sight he presented to her must look aweful. His eyes were red and bleary from lack of sleep and his chin sported the start of a beard. He had spent three days with his advisors as well as confronting those who he knew without doubt were behind the conspiracy. Some had been thrown in the dungeon, some had escaped before he and Aryn had come into the palace that night. Now he was in the process of weeding out the guards loyal to him or his detracters. Still the palace was not safe until the one in charge of the rebellion was apprehended and he was one of the first to disappear.
"Hello, zaza," He said in a whisper,"I have missed Your spirit as well as your kisses." He ran his fingers through her hair and down her face just enjoying the sight of her. "I could not go one more night without my sweet slave in my arms.
It was three nights later that Jamil found himself walking past the guards stationed at the harem doors and into the room itself. Most of the women in the room were sleeping but those that caught sight of him bowed low, head to the floor and he nodded his acknowledgement to them as he strode purposefully to the chambers beside Safia's.
Moving the curtains aside he smiled as he looked upon Aryn's sleeping figure. She seemed to be tossing and turning in her sleep and he sat down beside her gathering her up in his arms feeling comfort in having her in them. He kissed her eyelids and cheeks lightly before kissing her mouth and then he smiled down at her as her eyes opened sleepily. He knew the sight he presented to her must look aweful. His eyes were red and bleary from lack of sleep and his chin sported the start of a beard. He had spent three days with his advisors as well as confronting those who he knew without doubt were behind the conspiracy. Some had been thrown in the dungeon, some had escaped before he and Aryn had come into the palace that night. Now he was in the process of weeding out the guards loyal to him or his detracters. Still the palace was not safe until the one in charge of the rebellion was apprehended and he was one of the first to disappear.
"Hello, zaza," He said in a whisper,"I have missed Your spirit as well as your kisses." He ran his fingers through her hair and down her face just enjoying the sight of her. "I could not go one more night without my sweet slave in my arms.
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Aryn
She had spent three nights in the Harem, listening to everything go on around her, but took no part in it. She was too worried what was happening. Safia tried many times to get her to come out of her room, but she wouldn't budge. And each night she laid there tossing and turning, trying to not think about all the possible bad things that could be happening out side those doors. Several of the older women and some young ones stopped in to introduce themselves to her over the past few days, why she did not know, but they all seemed very friendly. She had learned from one woman that the twenty or so women in this room were not Jamil's in the sense she was thinking. They all had belonged to his father, and since his death, and Jamil's brother's death, he now owned them. Aryn felt that was wrong, to own so many people, but held her tongue. She did not know exactly why men had to have so many, but it was apparent all that lived in here were content this way.
So she was the first slave of Jamil's? She smiled a little at that, but again said nothing to deny or agree with the women coming in and out. One younger woman had styled her hair, painted her face, and her toe nails were painted. They brought her little things, clothes and rings for her fingers and toes. She guessed it was all to cheer her up and bring her out of her room, but it only worked for a short time. She thanked each woman for their little show of friendship, even gave them hugs. Which they found rather odd, but accepted. She found it wasn't too bad being in a room full of females after all, it kept her busy with all their chattering.
She had went to bed again very late, after many had slept for hours. She tossed and turned constantly, not getting comfortable at all. She had eventually fallen asleep, because she did not hear him enter. She opened her sleepy eyes and seen him hovering over her. It must be a dream, she thought. She smiled up at him, her eyes closing a second, and coming back half way open. She smiled and sighed in content as he kissed her eyelids, her forehead, her cheek and then her mouth. She slowly started to respond to his touch, it felt too real to be a dream. Her eyes snapped open and she looked at him. Oh my, he looked like someone had taken him out and locked him in a room for a week with no bath.
"Master? You look in need of a bath..Welcome back." She smiled up at him and placed her one hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating under her hand.
"I could not go one more night without my sweet slave in my arms." He whispered near her ear.
She smiled brightly, and turned her body a little, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pulling him down to her. She pulled on him until he came down close enough, her eyes twinkled with pleasure at how easily he would comply with her. She looked down at his scruffy face, then his full lips. She brought her own lips to his and kissed him for the first time on her own accord. She kept her mouth closed for a moment, then softly her tongue came out to flicker over the seam of his lips. She purred a little, her arms tugging him tightly to her. She kissed him a little longer, innocently. Then she deepened the kiss. Tingles of pleasure shot down her spine from the contact of his tongue and hers. It was amazing, she trembled a little. She felt a little light headed and shakey, so she pulled back.
"I have missed you too." She whispered and smiled again. "I am so happy to see you, I was so worried something bad had happened. Now I see, I was silly for worrying." She stayed there, reading his eyes. Wondering if the distent was taken care of yet or not?
She had spent three nights in the Harem, listening to everything go on around her, but took no part in it. She was too worried what was happening. Safia tried many times to get her to come out of her room, but she wouldn't budge. And each night she laid there tossing and turning, trying to not think about all the possible bad things that could be happening out side those doors. Several of the older women and some young ones stopped in to introduce themselves to her over the past few days, why she did not know, but they all seemed very friendly. She had learned from one woman that the twenty or so women in this room were not Jamil's in the sense she was thinking. They all had belonged to his father, and since his death, and Jamil's brother's death, he now owned them. Aryn felt that was wrong, to own so many people, but held her tongue. She did not know exactly why men had to have so many, but it was apparent all that lived in here were content this way.
So she was the first slave of Jamil's? She smiled a little at that, but again said nothing to deny or agree with the women coming in and out. One younger woman had styled her hair, painted her face, and her toe nails were painted. They brought her little things, clothes and rings for her fingers and toes. She guessed it was all to cheer her up and bring her out of her room, but it only worked for a short time. She thanked each woman for their little show of friendship, even gave them hugs. Which they found rather odd, but accepted. She found it wasn't too bad being in a room full of females after all, it kept her busy with all their chattering.
She had went to bed again very late, after many had slept for hours. She tossed and turned constantly, not getting comfortable at all. She had eventually fallen asleep, because she did not hear him enter. She opened her sleepy eyes and seen him hovering over her. It must be a dream, she thought. She smiled up at him, her eyes closing a second, and coming back half way open. She smiled and sighed in content as he kissed her eyelids, her forehead, her cheek and then her mouth. She slowly started to respond to his touch, it felt too real to be a dream. Her eyes snapped open and she looked at him. Oh my, he looked like someone had taken him out and locked him in a room for a week with no bath.
"Master? You look in need of a bath..Welcome back." She smiled up at him and placed her one hand on his chest. She could feel his heart beating under her hand.
"I could not go one more night without my sweet slave in my arms." He whispered near her ear.
She smiled brightly, and turned her body a little, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pulling him down to her. She pulled on him until he came down close enough, her eyes twinkled with pleasure at how easily he would comply with her. She looked down at his scruffy face, then his full lips. She brought her own lips to his and kissed him for the first time on her own accord. She kept her mouth closed for a moment, then softly her tongue came out to flicker over the seam of his lips. She purred a little, her arms tugging him tightly to her. She kissed him a little longer, innocently. Then she deepened the kiss. Tingles of pleasure shot down her spine from the contact of his tongue and hers. It was amazing, she trembled a little. She felt a little light headed and shakey, so she pulled back.
"I have missed you too." She whispered and smiled again. "I am so happy to see you, I was so worried something bad had happened. Now I see, I was silly for worrying." She stayed there, reading his eyes. Wondering if the distent was taken care of yet or not?
Jamil
He chuckled softly when she told him he was in need of a bath. "You are right, my flower," He said as he trailed a finger along her cheek, "Very bold but very right. I should have my slave help me take that bath but I do not have the time now."
She pulled him down with her and he had not thoughts of resisting and in fact was eager to comply. He had come here to escape the insanity that was going on outside of the doors and embraced the opportunity to do so. He was a bit startled when she kissed him on her own but with a groan he began to kiss her back a shudder of passion going through him as he felt her tongue on his lips. He pulled her tightly to him and let one hand play along her back as he became lost in her kiss.
He was reluctant to pull back when she broke off the kiss and he looked down at her with passion in his eyes. He knew she was fishing for information on what was going on outside of the herem doors and he knew she was worried about him and it touched him in a way that no other had touched him before.
Running a hand through her hair he said,"I have never found you foolish, my flower. In fact there is a wisdom about you that adds to your charms. Yes, there is much to worry about but you are not to do the worrying. That is for your Master. I promise I will keep you safe, zaza. No one shall ever harm you. Not and live."
He pulled her close again and begin to kiss her passionately his hand trailing down her back, her ass and her leg to stroke her body as if he craved the contact. "Do you know it has only been thoughts of you that have kept me sane these past few days, little one? I have had to order the death of someone I thought was my friend as well as face the fact that I have been betrayed by those I thought I could trust. There are times I felt I had no one anymore and it was then I would think of you and how you did not run away that night in the city and how you asked me to come back to you before you left with Safia. Only those things kept me from giving up on myself and those around me. I do not know what you have done to me, my flower, but whatever it is I do not want to ever give it up."
Crushing her to him he kissed her long and hard as if he feared she would be taken away or disappear from his arms. His tongue moved past her lips to explore her soft mouth and he moaned at the sheer pleasure of the contact. He slid one hand up her side to cup the breast there and his thumb ran across and around it as he squeezed it gently. He broke away and kissed down her neck to the flesh that was exposed by her clothing and then over the clothing itself to kiss the hardened bud before he lay his head on her chest.
"Tell me, zaza," He said in a strained voice, "How am I to rule a kingdom when I cannot control myself where my very sweet slave is concerned?"
He chuckled softly when she told him he was in need of a bath. "You are right, my flower," He said as he trailed a finger along her cheek, "Very bold but very right. I should have my slave help me take that bath but I do not have the time now."
She pulled him down with her and he had not thoughts of resisting and in fact was eager to comply. He had come here to escape the insanity that was going on outside of the doors and embraced the opportunity to do so. He was a bit startled when she kissed him on her own but with a groan he began to kiss her back a shudder of passion going through him as he felt her tongue on his lips. He pulled her tightly to him and let one hand play along her back as he became lost in her kiss.
He was reluctant to pull back when she broke off the kiss and he looked down at her with passion in his eyes. He knew she was fishing for information on what was going on outside of the herem doors and he knew she was worried about him and it touched him in a way that no other had touched him before.
Running a hand through her hair he said,"I have never found you foolish, my flower. In fact there is a wisdom about you that adds to your charms. Yes, there is much to worry about but you are not to do the worrying. That is for your Master. I promise I will keep you safe, zaza. No one shall ever harm you. Not and live."
He pulled her close again and begin to kiss her passionately his hand trailing down her back, her ass and her leg to stroke her body as if he craved the contact. "Do you know it has only been thoughts of you that have kept me sane these past few days, little one? I have had to order the death of someone I thought was my friend as well as face the fact that I have been betrayed by those I thought I could trust. There are times I felt I had no one anymore and it was then I would think of you and how you did not run away that night in the city and how you asked me to come back to you before you left with Safia. Only those things kept me from giving up on myself and those around me. I do not know what you have done to me, my flower, but whatever it is I do not want to ever give it up."
Crushing her to him he kissed her long and hard as if he feared she would be taken away or disappear from his arms. His tongue moved past her lips to explore her soft mouth and he moaned at the sheer pleasure of the contact. He slid one hand up her side to cup the breast there and his thumb ran across and around it as he squeezed it gently. He broke away and kissed down her neck to the flesh that was exposed by her clothing and then over the clothing itself to kiss the hardened bud before he lay his head on her chest.
"Tell me, zaza," He said in a strained voice, "How am I to rule a kingdom when I cannot control myself where my very sweet slave is concerned?"
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Aryn
"I trust you to keep me safe, love." She pulled against him, rubbing for some reason against him now and then. It felt good when ever their skin touched. Better than anything she had ever felt before, and she did not want to stop it either. But this room was full of people, ears listening. She couldnt act apon what she wanted to do. Not here, not her first time with a man. What was she thinking? She wasnt even married and she was willing to go there with him? She closed her eyes a moment to clear her thoughts, but it didnt help when his hand roamed down to cup her breast and rub over her hardened nipples.
She smiled at his words, feeling warmth spread through her, making her tingle with pleasure. He never wanted to let her go. She smiled again and hugged him to her. His lips roamed down her neck to her chest, kissing her bare skin. She uttered a soft moan of pleasure, arching under him. And when his mouth took her nipple, through her clothing, she nearly died on the spot. He rested his head against her chest, just laying there. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she panted. What was wrong with her? She felt achy all over, and yet it felt good at the same time? She bit her lip to keep from asking him to do it again. She was sure it was sinful. Anything that felt that good had to be sinful.
"M-Master? When will it be safe to return to your room?" She asked quietly, not wanting to wake the other women in the harem. She wiggled a little under him, not sure why but it felt good to press against him. Her hand came up to thread in his hair, holding him to her. She closed her eyes, just inhailing his scent. Her nipples were still hard, and her center felt wet. She was curious, but would not ask what it meant. She had to clear her mind, and be there for him. Not dwell on her own strange reactions.
So she stayed silent, and gently stroked his hair and the nape of his neck. Massaging out the tension in his shoulders.
"I hope I make you happy, return the happiness you give me."
"I trust you to keep me safe, love." She pulled against him, rubbing for some reason against him now and then. It felt good when ever their skin touched. Better than anything she had ever felt before, and she did not want to stop it either. But this room was full of people, ears listening. She couldnt act apon what she wanted to do. Not here, not her first time with a man. What was she thinking? She wasnt even married and she was willing to go there with him? She closed her eyes a moment to clear her thoughts, but it didnt help when his hand roamed down to cup her breast and rub over her hardened nipples.
She smiled at his words, feeling warmth spread through her, making her tingle with pleasure. He never wanted to let her go. She smiled again and hugged him to her. His lips roamed down her neck to her chest, kissing her bare skin. She uttered a soft moan of pleasure, arching under him. And when his mouth took her nipple, through her clothing, she nearly died on the spot. He rested his head against her chest, just laying there. Her heart beat wildly in her chest as she panted. What was wrong with her? She felt achy all over, and yet it felt good at the same time? She bit her lip to keep from asking him to do it again. She was sure it was sinful. Anything that felt that good had to be sinful.
"M-Master? When will it be safe to return to your room?" She asked quietly, not wanting to wake the other women in the harem. She wiggled a little under him, not sure why but it felt good to press against him. Her hand came up to thread in his hair, holding him to her. She closed her eyes, just inhailing his scent. Her nipples were still hard, and her center felt wet. She was curious, but would not ask what it meant. She had to clear her mind, and be there for him. Not dwell on her own strange reactions.
So she stayed silent, and gently stroked his hair and the nape of his neck. Massaging out the tension in his shoulders.
"I hope I make you happy, return the happiness you give me."
Jamil
Jamil laughed softly as she asked about going to his room. "Soon, my sweet," He said the eagerness plain in his voice. He could take her here and now and on one would say a word but he knew she would be uncomfortable doing that and he wanted her to himself without prying eyes if the truth were to be told. "Soon you will be back where you belong and you will be completly mine. In fact I am thinking that tomorrow night I shall have you bathed and rubbed with scented oils and sent to my chambers to serve me the evening meal. Once the doors close guards will be posted and none will come in to disturb us until I open the doors again." He grinned against her breast, "I would prepare yourself for a very long stay indeed, love," He wispered and then moaned as her fingers worked through his hair and massaged the tenseness from his muscles.
His body had already reacted to her responses to him and he was very hard put not to throw away his plans for tomorrow and enjoy the promises that came from the distinct smell of arousal. Reaching up, he pushed the gauzy cloth from her shoulder where his head lay and bared her one breast to his hungry eyes. Letting a low groan out that turned into a growl of need he kissed all along the white globe as he said, "You have already made me happy, zaza. No man could ask for a better slave or a more perfect woman." With a moan he placed his mouth around the dark nipple and let his tongue slid over and around the hard bud as he began to suckle gently. He moved a hand down to run lightly along her inner thighs and trace her mound where the scent of her arousal drifted to him. He did no more than lightly touch and trace along the flesh there as his mouth greedily tasted of her breast. Pulling his head back he gently pulled at the bud with his teeth, not enough to hurt but enough to make it sensitive to his touch. With a quick kiss upon her exposed nipple he pulled the clothing back over her breast and restored her modesty as he got to his knees a groan of pain coming from him as he was acutely aware of his own unrelieved passion.
"Tomorrow night, my flower," He whispered to her as he kissed her once again, "And then I will show you exactly what effect you have on me." Standing reluctantly he gave her one last loving gaze before turning and leaving the curtained area. He was not surprised to see Safia outside of the room with a quizzative look on her face.
"By tomorrow the palace will be safe again," He told her. "From the inside but the threat from the outside?" She said in a whisper as she drew near. "That will be taken care of soon." He replied shortly not wanting to talk about how that would be taken care of. Safia nodded and then looked back at the room where Aryn was. "She will be ready for you tomorrow, Jamil," She said simply. Jamil nodded and headed toward the door to the herem and back to the business at hand.
Jamil laughed softly as she asked about going to his room. "Soon, my sweet," He said the eagerness plain in his voice. He could take her here and now and on one would say a word but he knew she would be uncomfortable doing that and he wanted her to himself without prying eyes if the truth were to be told. "Soon you will be back where you belong and you will be completly mine. In fact I am thinking that tomorrow night I shall have you bathed and rubbed with scented oils and sent to my chambers to serve me the evening meal. Once the doors close guards will be posted and none will come in to disturb us until I open the doors again." He grinned against her breast, "I would prepare yourself for a very long stay indeed, love," He wispered and then moaned as her fingers worked through his hair and massaged the tenseness from his muscles.
His body had already reacted to her responses to him and he was very hard put not to throw away his plans for tomorrow and enjoy the promises that came from the distinct smell of arousal. Reaching up, he pushed the gauzy cloth from her shoulder where his head lay and bared her one breast to his hungry eyes. Letting a low groan out that turned into a growl of need he kissed all along the white globe as he said, "You have already made me happy, zaza. No man could ask for a better slave or a more perfect woman." With a moan he placed his mouth around the dark nipple and let his tongue slid over and around the hard bud as he began to suckle gently. He moved a hand down to run lightly along her inner thighs and trace her mound where the scent of her arousal drifted to him. He did no more than lightly touch and trace along the flesh there as his mouth greedily tasted of her breast. Pulling his head back he gently pulled at the bud with his teeth, not enough to hurt but enough to make it sensitive to his touch. With a quick kiss upon her exposed nipple he pulled the clothing back over her breast and restored her modesty as he got to his knees a groan of pain coming from him as he was acutely aware of his own unrelieved passion.
"Tomorrow night, my flower," He whispered to her as he kissed her once again, "And then I will show you exactly what effect you have on me." Standing reluctantly he gave her one last loving gaze before turning and leaving the curtained area. He was not surprised to see Safia outside of the room with a quizzative look on her face.
"By tomorrow the palace will be safe again," He told her. "From the inside but the threat from the outside?" She said in a whisper as she drew near. "That will be taken care of soon." He replied shortly not wanting to talk about how that would be taken care of. Safia nodded and then looked back at the room where Aryn was. "She will be ready for you tomorrow, Jamil," She said simply. Jamil nodded and headed toward the door to the herem and back to the business at hand.
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2001
- Posts
- 14,767
Aryn
She was losing her mind, had to be. He had left her, and still she could feel his touch on her lower body, and feel the heat from his mouth suckling on her breast. She let out a soft tormented groan. Rolling onto her stomach she lay there. Not sure if she wanted to cry because he left her in this state... or becuase she was afraid she wouldn't see him again. She did not know, but she lay there awhile. She placed her hand over her breast and moaned, it still ached for more. She was turning into a harlot. She scolded herself silently for her behavior. And to top it all off she had called him 'love'. Not good, not good at all. She wasn't supposed to care for him, nor want him. She was supposed to get free. But she didn't want to leave, that was the problem. She wanted to spend her life with him in his room. She heard Safia walking back into her room. Standing up, she needed to find something to do to get her mind off of the troubles here. She walked out of her room and around the sleeping women laying about on beds and pillows. The guards stood outside the doors, not inside. She had freedome to move around the room. One of the Enuch's was standing by the open balcony, guarding. She smiled a greeting and walked out into the night air. She needed to clear her head, and calm her nerves down. She startled a little when she heard a voice dismiss the enuch from his station. Turning around she seen one of the elder females approaching her. She smiled in greeting, but the dark haired woman did not smile back. Who was this woman? She didn't recall meeting her before?
"Good eve...?"
"Yes, it is a good eve isnt it?" She stopped next to Aryn, watching her.
"How does it feel to be the first of the chosen select to serve Jamil?"
"I am but a slave, I have no say in it. And..."
"Do not lie to me Aryn, I heard you and Jamil speaking. I heard and I seen. You want him as much as he wants you. Its too bad he won't get you.."
Aryn turned her head to question what that meant and the woman hit her over the head with a large gold vase. She crumbled to the floor. Her head spinning, she couldn't see nor call out. Her ears were ringing and she seen stars before her eyes.
"He won't live long to be ruler here, His brother.. My lover! Was to be ruler, until he was killed by Jamil's orders!"
"N-Nooo.. He wouldnt kill his bro..."
"Hush, I have no need of your words. You are now no longer a problem." She whistled into the night air, and below the balcony stood a group of men, holding a rope. They quickly tossed it up and climbed the rope.
Aryn was gagged and tied, and tossed over the shoulder of a large man. She cried out, her head hurt and she did not want to leave. She fought a little until the man got mad at knocked her out. His fist connecting with her temple she went out like a light.
They carried her down the rope, across the grounds and over the wall.
The woman turned to the harem and screamed out, "She's escaped! Hurry! Aryn has fled!" She ran through the room waking everyone with her yelling. The enuch appeared before her and grabbed her arm.
"She would not flee woman. What did you do with her?" He dragged her to the balcony and looked down. There was a rope there, but no body on the ground.
"You will die for this, mark my words. Aryn would not flee, she was taken!" He jerked her along, her fear showing in her eyes.
"Come along, the Master will most deffinately want to see you. and for your own sake.. do not lie to him woman!"
Aryn had been carted off to an old run down adobe house on the outskirts of the city. She had been torn free of her clothing and stuffed into a peasant's garb. They quickly took her to the cellar and tied her to a chair.
"When he comes for her, and he will.. We will be waiting. He won't live to see another sunrise. By my word, he wont live..."
Aryn struggled in her bindings, trying to get free. Warn Jamil, someone. She couldn't let him die, she cried out in her mind, "I love you Jamil, but please.. please! do not come for me!" She prayed somehow he would hear her and not come for her.
She was losing her mind, had to be. He had left her, and still she could feel his touch on her lower body, and feel the heat from his mouth suckling on her breast. She let out a soft tormented groan. Rolling onto her stomach she lay there. Not sure if she wanted to cry because he left her in this state... or becuase she was afraid she wouldn't see him again. She did not know, but she lay there awhile. She placed her hand over her breast and moaned, it still ached for more. She was turning into a harlot. She scolded herself silently for her behavior. And to top it all off she had called him 'love'. Not good, not good at all. She wasn't supposed to care for him, nor want him. She was supposed to get free. But she didn't want to leave, that was the problem. She wanted to spend her life with him in his room. She heard Safia walking back into her room. Standing up, she needed to find something to do to get her mind off of the troubles here. She walked out of her room and around the sleeping women laying about on beds and pillows. The guards stood outside the doors, not inside. She had freedome to move around the room. One of the Enuch's was standing by the open balcony, guarding. She smiled a greeting and walked out into the night air. She needed to clear her head, and calm her nerves down. She startled a little when she heard a voice dismiss the enuch from his station. Turning around she seen one of the elder females approaching her. She smiled in greeting, but the dark haired woman did not smile back. Who was this woman? She didn't recall meeting her before?
"Good eve...?"
"Yes, it is a good eve isnt it?" She stopped next to Aryn, watching her.
"How does it feel to be the first of the chosen select to serve Jamil?"
"I am but a slave, I have no say in it. And..."
"Do not lie to me Aryn, I heard you and Jamil speaking. I heard and I seen. You want him as much as he wants you. Its too bad he won't get you.."
Aryn turned her head to question what that meant and the woman hit her over the head with a large gold vase. She crumbled to the floor. Her head spinning, she couldn't see nor call out. Her ears were ringing and she seen stars before her eyes.
"He won't live long to be ruler here, His brother.. My lover! Was to be ruler, until he was killed by Jamil's orders!"
"N-Nooo.. He wouldnt kill his bro..."
"Hush, I have no need of your words. You are now no longer a problem." She whistled into the night air, and below the balcony stood a group of men, holding a rope. They quickly tossed it up and climbed the rope.
Aryn was gagged and tied, and tossed over the shoulder of a large man. She cried out, her head hurt and she did not want to leave. She fought a little until the man got mad at knocked her out. His fist connecting with her temple she went out like a light.
They carried her down the rope, across the grounds and over the wall.
The woman turned to the harem and screamed out, "She's escaped! Hurry! Aryn has fled!" She ran through the room waking everyone with her yelling. The enuch appeared before her and grabbed her arm.
"She would not flee woman. What did you do with her?" He dragged her to the balcony and looked down. There was a rope there, but no body on the ground.
"You will die for this, mark my words. Aryn would not flee, she was taken!" He jerked her along, her fear showing in her eyes.
"Come along, the Master will most deffinately want to see you. and for your own sake.. do not lie to him woman!"
Aryn had been carted off to an old run down adobe house on the outskirts of the city. She had been torn free of her clothing and stuffed into a peasant's garb. They quickly took her to the cellar and tied her to a chair.
"When he comes for her, and he will.. We will be waiting. He won't live to see another sunrise. By my word, he wont live..."
Aryn struggled in her bindings, trying to get free. Warn Jamil, someone. She couldn't let him die, she cried out in her mind, "I love you Jamil, but please.. please! do not come for me!" She prayed somehow he would hear her and not come for her.
Jamil
"This is madness!" The statement had been made by Safia who was in the process of following Jamil around as he tossed on his riding clothes and prepared to ride out after Aryn.
"Call it what you will, I am going." He said his voice authorative and unwavering, "They took her and I am going to get her back. She is a stranger in this land and will not survive without me."
"You are in love with her," It was almost an acqusation and Jamil did not have to think twice before answering, "Where in the rules of the palace does it say a Shiek cannot fall in love with his slave? That love will not keep me from making an alliance through the marriage bed. Word has already gone out to our prospective allies and a marriage will take place within a fortnight. I think that that is going above and beyond what my kindom has asked of me."
Safia sighed. "You are being led by your heart, Jamil. Again. If you go you will not come back. You heard the woman. They are planning on killing you. If you must be so foolish as to go than at least take guards with you."
Jamil paused and looked at Safia. She was the mother he had never known, his protector when he was young and his guide now that he was grown. He loved this woman and knew that she spoke with wisdom but he could not sit back and do nothing.
"I have already taken care of that also. Word has been sent to my cousin and, should I not come back he will take my place on the throne as well as at the alter. He is a good man and wiser than I. He will make a good king but he will still need your guidance...mother."
Embracing the older woman he then stepped back and gave her a smile. "If Aryn should come back without me you will look after her and make sure she is returned to her family? If she is not with me I do not want her touched. My cousin will understand. You will make him understand." Safia gave Jamil a quick nod and watched him leave with her fear showing plainly on her face.
A quarter of an hour later he was moving along the back allys of the city intent on reaching his destination and meeting very little resistance. They obviously were not prepared with a noble who had some military skill of his own besides yelling to his troops to attack or retreat. When he came upon the shack that the woman had beem forced to tell him about her paused and slipped into the shadows, watching for guards. There were two and they moved back and forth passing each other on their rounds. Jamil waited for one of the guards to round the corner before rushing out and grabbing the other by the throat, squeezing off any cry he might give and placing a knife to his throat. "The woman, where is she?" He said closing the man's windpipe even more. It was a strangled reply but, once Jamil had it, the man's throat was slit and he was dragged into the shadows and dropped there. Jamil knew he only had moments before the other guard came around the corner and he moved to the door, opening it, his fist connecting with the man there to drop him to the floor blocking any of his companions outside from coming in as he was a very big man and it was only Jamil's knowledge of where to strike so that the blow would count that spared him facing the huge man one on one.
There were no more in the run down shack which Jamil was grateful for. They must all be waiting to ambush him from outside not expecting him to get past their first line of attack. Jamil smiled gratefully and made his way to the cellar where his heart leapt in joy to see Aryn. She was tied to a chair and gagged. He rushed to her side and knelt down by her, undoing her bonds and not paying attention to the fact that she was straining against her bonds, trying to tell him something.
"Patience, zaza," He said as he worked the knots, "It is alright. I have come and you are safe." The ropes fell from her and he looked at her in puzzlement. She did not seemed calmed at all. He found out why moments later when she pulled the gag from her mouth and pointed. "Behind you!" She screamed and Jamil turned in time to see a man behind him with a simitar aimed for him. In his relief at finding Aryn he had let his guard down and not made certain there was no one with her.
"This is madness!" The statement had been made by Safia who was in the process of following Jamil around as he tossed on his riding clothes and prepared to ride out after Aryn.
"Call it what you will, I am going." He said his voice authorative and unwavering, "They took her and I am going to get her back. She is a stranger in this land and will not survive without me."
"You are in love with her," It was almost an acqusation and Jamil did not have to think twice before answering, "Where in the rules of the palace does it say a Shiek cannot fall in love with his slave? That love will not keep me from making an alliance through the marriage bed. Word has already gone out to our prospective allies and a marriage will take place within a fortnight. I think that that is going above and beyond what my kindom has asked of me."
Safia sighed. "You are being led by your heart, Jamil. Again. If you go you will not come back. You heard the woman. They are planning on killing you. If you must be so foolish as to go than at least take guards with you."
Jamil paused and looked at Safia. She was the mother he had never known, his protector when he was young and his guide now that he was grown. He loved this woman and knew that she spoke with wisdom but he could not sit back and do nothing.
"I have already taken care of that also. Word has been sent to my cousin and, should I not come back he will take my place on the throne as well as at the alter. He is a good man and wiser than I. He will make a good king but he will still need your guidance...mother."
Embracing the older woman he then stepped back and gave her a smile. "If Aryn should come back without me you will look after her and make sure she is returned to her family? If she is not with me I do not want her touched. My cousin will understand. You will make him understand." Safia gave Jamil a quick nod and watched him leave with her fear showing plainly on her face.
A quarter of an hour later he was moving along the back allys of the city intent on reaching his destination and meeting very little resistance. They obviously were not prepared with a noble who had some military skill of his own besides yelling to his troops to attack or retreat. When he came upon the shack that the woman had beem forced to tell him about her paused and slipped into the shadows, watching for guards. There were two and they moved back and forth passing each other on their rounds. Jamil waited for one of the guards to round the corner before rushing out and grabbing the other by the throat, squeezing off any cry he might give and placing a knife to his throat. "The woman, where is she?" He said closing the man's windpipe even more. It was a strangled reply but, once Jamil had it, the man's throat was slit and he was dragged into the shadows and dropped there. Jamil knew he only had moments before the other guard came around the corner and he moved to the door, opening it, his fist connecting with the man there to drop him to the floor blocking any of his companions outside from coming in as he was a very big man and it was only Jamil's knowledge of where to strike so that the blow would count that spared him facing the huge man one on one.
There were no more in the run down shack which Jamil was grateful for. They must all be waiting to ambush him from outside not expecting him to get past their first line of attack. Jamil smiled gratefully and made his way to the cellar where his heart leapt in joy to see Aryn. She was tied to a chair and gagged. He rushed to her side and knelt down by her, undoing her bonds and not paying attention to the fact that she was straining against her bonds, trying to tell him something.
"Patience, zaza," He said as he worked the knots, "It is alright. I have come and you are safe." The ropes fell from her and he looked at her in puzzlement. She did not seemed calmed at all. He found out why moments later when she pulled the gag from her mouth and pointed. "Behind you!" She screamed and Jamil turned in time to see a man behind him with a simitar aimed for him. In his relief at finding Aryn he had let his guard down and not made certain there was no one with her.
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Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Aryn
She cried out a warning, but the gag stopped her voice. She cried, tears running down her face as the man behind Jamil lifted his sword. He got the gag off and she screamed out, "Behind you!" Pointing. He dodged the first swing, but another was coming down quickly. She jumped between Jamil and the blade, slicing into her from her movement. She clutched him to her, hot searing pain wracking her body.
She gulped down as the sword was pulled from her back, her eyes holding his. "I love you Jamil... Always will." She felt her life ebbing from her body, knew her time was short. She quickly kissed him good bye. The man behind her did not mean to strike her with the sword, and stammered out... "I'm sorry Aryn." It was a guard from the palace who had watched her while Jamil was away from his room. She turned her eyes to his, in contempt.
"You will pay for this..." She jerked with pain and sank to the floor, her eyes slowly drifting shut. Her breathing subsided slowly as she heard Jamil give a fearsome battle cry.
Perhaps in another time, they would meet again?
She cried out a warning, but the gag stopped her voice. She cried, tears running down her face as the man behind Jamil lifted his sword. He got the gag off and she screamed out, "Behind you!" Pointing. He dodged the first swing, but another was coming down quickly. She jumped between Jamil and the blade, slicing into her from her movement. She clutched him to her, hot searing pain wracking her body.
She gulped down as the sword was pulled from her back, her eyes holding his. "I love you Jamil... Always will." She felt her life ebbing from her body, knew her time was short. She quickly kissed him good bye. The man behind her did not mean to strike her with the sword, and stammered out... "I'm sorry Aryn." It was a guard from the palace who had watched her while Jamil was away from his room. She turned her eyes to his, in contempt.
"You will pay for this..." She jerked with pain and sank to the floor, her eyes slowly drifting shut. Her breathing subsided slowly as she heard Jamil give a fearsome battle cry.
Perhaps in another time, they would meet again?
Jamil
Jamil cried out in anguish as he saw the sword enter Aryn's body. His hands shook as he placed them over the gushing wound vainly trying to stem the flow of blood. "Aryn! No!," He cried as he watched the life ebb from her body, their eyes locked for what seemed like eternity. He lay there in shock as she kissed him gently and spoke words of love. "As I love you, my flower," He whispered as she slipped away from him.
Anger white and hot coursed through his body as he grabbed his own sword and stood over the body of his love. "Yes! You will pay and you will pay by my hand!" He cried as he came at the man with all the fury he felt at her loss. Again and again the man parried his blows but the guard was being driven back toward the wall inch by slow inch. Jamil's anger was centered on one thing, killing the man who had taken his happiness away and he failed to hear others break through the door and rush to the cellar. There was no way he could get out of this alive but at that moment he did not care. His whole being was focused on the man before him and, with a feint to the right and a slash to the left, he opened the man's belly up and watched in grim satisfaction as the guard sank to his knees, his hands clutching his abdomen even as his life's blood drenched the ground. Turning, Jamil took a few steps towards where Aryn's body lay. He would not leave her here. Then he tensed as pain flaired in his back and he stumbled but kept moving only to feel another knife sink into him as someone on the stairs was intent on his assassination.
Reaching Aryn, Jamil knelt beside her and took her in his arms one last time even as he found it hard to breath. His vision was blurring and he knew his death was near. Running a hand through her hair he choked out, "He has paid, my love. The highest...price I...could exact...from him." And then his world spun and went black.
Jamil cried out in anguish as he saw the sword enter Aryn's body. His hands shook as he placed them over the gushing wound vainly trying to stem the flow of blood. "Aryn! No!," He cried as he watched the life ebb from her body, their eyes locked for what seemed like eternity. He lay there in shock as she kissed him gently and spoke words of love. "As I love you, my flower," He whispered as she slipped away from him.
Anger white and hot coursed through his body as he grabbed his own sword and stood over the body of his love. "Yes! You will pay and you will pay by my hand!" He cried as he came at the man with all the fury he felt at her loss. Again and again the man parried his blows but the guard was being driven back toward the wall inch by slow inch. Jamil's anger was centered on one thing, killing the man who had taken his happiness away and he failed to hear others break through the door and rush to the cellar. There was no way he could get out of this alive but at that moment he did not care. His whole being was focused on the man before him and, with a feint to the right and a slash to the left, he opened the man's belly up and watched in grim satisfaction as the guard sank to his knees, his hands clutching his abdomen even as his life's blood drenched the ground. Turning, Jamil took a few steps towards where Aryn's body lay. He would not leave her here. Then he tensed as pain flaired in his back and he stumbled but kept moving only to feel another knife sink into him as someone on the stairs was intent on his assassination.
Reaching Aryn, Jamil knelt beside her and took her in his arms one last time even as he found it hard to breath. His vision was blurring and he knew his death was near. Running a hand through her hair he choked out, "He has paid, my love. The highest...price I...could exact...from him." And then his world spun and went black.
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Cara
Rome 900 A.D.
Cara was born into the wealth of the ceasar, her uncle ran all of the Roman empire. His son, soon to take his place. She had just recently come to Rome to be a part of the great family. All her closer kinsmen, dead from seige and war. Her brothers and Father gave their lives to protect the Ceasar, and now she was all that remained of the blood line. Except for the Ceasar and his son.
Her arrival was a grand experience. A parade was given in her honor and a battle staged in the great area. She had held her head high and appeared to be the lady she was. Never letting her sorrow show in her gaze as she waved and greeted senate members and the royal family. After hours of greetings, parties and a great feast she was finally alone in her own quarters. Well all alone except for a guard.
"Guard, your name please? If you are to accompany me everywhere while I reside in Rome, I wish to know whom protects me."
He gave his name, but offered her no more. She sat apon the raised bed and closed her eyes a moment. This was going to take more of her strength than even she was aware of. She was here for a purpose. To carry on the royal line. She was to wed a suitable man, who must be approved by her cousin, and future Ceasar. She did not wish to marry anyone, but return to her own home and enjoy the peaceful life she had always led. Now she was being watched, she could not even ride unless accompanied by this guard. What would she do to keep her sanity? She had no idea, but she was very vexed with this situation at hand.
Rome 900 A.D.
Cara was born into the wealth of the ceasar, her uncle ran all of the Roman empire. His son, soon to take his place. She had just recently come to Rome to be a part of the great family. All her closer kinsmen, dead from seige and war. Her brothers and Father gave their lives to protect the Ceasar, and now she was all that remained of the blood line. Except for the Ceasar and his son.
Her arrival was a grand experience. A parade was given in her honor and a battle staged in the great area. She had held her head high and appeared to be the lady she was. Never letting her sorrow show in her gaze as she waved and greeted senate members and the royal family. After hours of greetings, parties and a great feast she was finally alone in her own quarters. Well all alone except for a guard.
"Guard, your name please? If you are to accompany me everywhere while I reside in Rome, I wish to know whom protects me."
He gave his name, but offered her no more. She sat apon the raised bed and closed her eyes a moment. This was going to take more of her strength than even she was aware of. She was here for a purpose. To carry on the royal line. She was to wed a suitable man, who must be approved by her cousin, and future Ceasar. She did not wish to marry anyone, but return to her own home and enjoy the peaceful life she had always led. Now she was being watched, she could not even ride unless accompanied by this guard. What would she do to keep her sanity? She had no idea, but she was very vexed with this situation at hand.
Alcander
Alcander stood at his post wondering what he had done wrong to pull this duty. When he had first been assigned to the palace he thought he was going to be in the coveted position of protecting either the Ceaser or his son. Not a distant relative. He had even bragged to his buddies how he was stepping up in the world. Oh, he was going to suffer on this one.
The woman, Cara, had asked his name and he had replied in a respectful manner that it was Alcander and then made it clear that he was here to protect her, not to chat. It must have worked because she soon settled back and closed her eyes. Once he knew she was no longer watching him he took his chance to get a good look at her. Pretty, very pretty. And very much out of his league even if he had a notion to try which he did not. With a sigh of boredom he crossed his arms and leaned back on the door. It was going to be a long watch.
Alcander stood at his post wondering what he had done wrong to pull this duty. When he had first been assigned to the palace he thought he was going to be in the coveted position of protecting either the Ceaser or his son. Not a distant relative. He had even bragged to his buddies how he was stepping up in the world. Oh, he was going to suffer on this one.
The woman, Cara, had asked his name and he had replied in a respectful manner that it was Alcander and then made it clear that he was here to protect her, not to chat. It must have worked because she soon settled back and closed her eyes. Once he knew she was no longer watching him he took his chance to get a good look at her. Pretty, very pretty. And very much out of his league even if he had a notion to try which he did not. With a sigh of boredom he crossed his arms and leaned back on the door. It was going to be a long watch.
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Cara
She stood, calling her maid to her, "Sofia. Come help me ready for bed." She was used to guards around, and did not care if Alcander was there or not.
"Well Alcander, If you are going to be guarding me day and night.. You Should learn to relax around me. In this suit somewhere, I am told is another little room for you to sleep in. Sofia has the room next to yours. Good night." Sofia came behind her and pulled off her veil which covered her hair. Dropping the roped chain down, it brushed against her knees. Sofia worked like magic and in seconds had her hair unbound and hanging free. Pulling off the layers of robes and her sandals. She was now only in her shift. This was much better. She sighed heavily, alot on her mind. She needed to make a match before her cousin decided to wed her himself. The thought was appaling even if it was a traditional thing in these times. She would rather have her choice of husband, not one shoved in her face.
"Sofia, That is all I require for tonight. Please. Go to bed. I know you have been ill lately. Go on I'll be fine with Alcander watching over me."
"Yes ma'am. sleep well Mistress."
"You too Sofia."
She turned, the guard still stood at the door, his hands crossed over his chest.
"Perhaps a chair to at least sit while at the door? I am told it locks?"
She stood, calling her maid to her, "Sofia. Come help me ready for bed." She was used to guards around, and did not care if Alcander was there or not.
"Well Alcander, If you are going to be guarding me day and night.. You Should learn to relax around me. In this suit somewhere, I am told is another little room for you to sleep in. Sofia has the room next to yours. Good night." Sofia came behind her and pulled off her veil which covered her hair. Dropping the roped chain down, it brushed against her knees. Sofia worked like magic and in seconds had her hair unbound and hanging free. Pulling off the layers of robes and her sandals. She was now only in her shift. This was much better. She sighed heavily, alot on her mind. She needed to make a match before her cousin decided to wed her himself. The thought was appaling even if it was a traditional thing in these times. She would rather have her choice of husband, not one shoved in her face.
"Sofia, That is all I require for tonight. Please. Go to bed. I know you have been ill lately. Go on I'll be fine with Alcander watching over me."
"Yes ma'am. sleep well Mistress."
"You too Sofia."
She turned, the guard still stood at the door, his hands crossed over his chest.
"Perhaps a chair to at least sit while at the door? I am told it locks?"
Alcander
Cara dismissed him but Alcander only gave her a slight smile. His orders were handed down from the ruler himself and he was staying put. He watched as her maid got her ready for bed, averting his eyes when appropriate but not moving from his position. His eyes flickered a bit as he appreciated the beauty of the woman before him but he pushed those thoughts away. He was on duty and there was no room for random thoughts like that.
When she commented about the door locking he bowed his head and smiled. "Yes, Mam, it does," He said a hint of amusement in his voice,"And I shall do so as soon as you are in bed. I would hate to have to unlock it several times because the lady forgot that she needed something before she was fully ready for sleep."
Cara dismissed him but Alcander only gave her a slight smile. His orders were handed down from the ruler himself and he was staying put. He watched as her maid got her ready for bed, averting his eyes when appropriate but not moving from his position. His eyes flickered a bit as he appreciated the beauty of the woman before him but he pushed those thoughts away. He was on duty and there was no room for random thoughts like that.
When she commented about the door locking he bowed his head and smiled. "Yes, Mam, it does," He said a hint of amusement in his voice,"And I shall do so as soon as you are in bed. I would hate to have to unlock it several times because the lady forgot that she needed something before she was fully ready for sleep."
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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Cara
"Suit yourself." She stood up and untied her gown stays. She turned her back to him and let her robe fall off. She wore little underneath but a pair of bloomers. She slipped her nightgown over her head and tugged it into place. Reaching under she pulled the bloomers off and sat down on the bed. Ignoring him completely, she kicked them off and lay on the bed. Blowing out the candles around her bedside. She pulled the covers up to her chin and snuggled down inside. Closing her eyes she drifted off to sleep. Dreaming of nothing but fields of flowers and peace and quiet. Tomorrow was another long miserable day in the Royal house of pain.. Her favorite term for this Palace.
She awoke bright and early with Sofia tugging on her blankets. Holding a tray in her one hand she called gently, "Wake mistress.. It is time to break your fast and eat something hearty. You will need your strength.." She smiled and whispered good morning to Sofia. Turning her head as she sat up, she seen the guard still standing by the door.
"Do come over and have some food with me Alcander?"
"Suit yourself." She stood up and untied her gown stays. She turned her back to him and let her robe fall off. She wore little underneath but a pair of bloomers. She slipped her nightgown over her head and tugged it into place. Reaching under she pulled the bloomers off and sat down on the bed. Ignoring him completely, she kicked them off and lay on the bed. Blowing out the candles around her bedside. She pulled the covers up to her chin and snuggled down inside. Closing her eyes she drifted off to sleep. Dreaming of nothing but fields of flowers and peace and quiet. Tomorrow was another long miserable day in the Royal house of pain.. Her favorite term for this Palace.
She awoke bright and early with Sofia tugging on her blankets. Holding a tray in her one hand she called gently, "Wake mistress.. It is time to break your fast and eat something hearty. You will need your strength.." She smiled and whispered good morning to Sofia. Turning her head as she sat up, she seen the guard still standing by the door.
"Do come over and have some food with me Alcander?"
Alcander
Alcander watched her undress the amusment on his face turning to a shocked look as he realized the lady slept in the nude. With a soft chuckle he averted his eyes away from the enticing sight and found something else to look at.
Once she went to sleep he locked the door and went into the small bedroom retrieving blankets and pillows and making a pallet on the floor. Settling down to sleep he closed his eyes and smiled at the memory of her robe sliding from her body.
By the time Cara awoke, Alcander had replaced the bedding, unlocked the doors and was at his post once again having spent an uneventful night on guard. Not that he had anticipated anything different as the girl was not promenent enough to be a target.
Alcander bowed his head at her offer and said,"Thank you, My Lady, but the commoners are not welcome to eat with those of nobility. I will get something from the kitchen later on while you are in confrence with your uncle and cousin."
Alcander watched her undress the amusment on his face turning to a shocked look as he realized the lady slept in the nude. With a soft chuckle he averted his eyes away from the enticing sight and found something else to look at.
Once she went to sleep he locked the door and went into the small bedroom retrieving blankets and pillows and making a pallet on the floor. Settling down to sleep he closed his eyes and smiled at the memory of her robe sliding from her body.
By the time Cara awoke, Alcander had replaced the bedding, unlocked the doors and was at his post once again having spent an uneventful night on guard. Not that he had anticipated anything different as the girl was not promenent enough to be a target.
Alcander bowed his head at her offer and said,"Thank you, My Lady, but the commoners are not welcome to eat with those of nobility. I will get something from the kitchen later on while you are in confrence with your uncle and cousin."
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Sweetp4u
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Cara
In her twenty three years she never heard anything so funny in her life. She laughed, "Oh you are so amusing Alcander! There is no difference between Nobility and Common folk. Just the assumption they are better because they have power and money. But all nobility will fall sooner or later. So stop that nonsence and join me. If you are to guard me, and it could be for the next fifty years, you can come and have something to eat with me." Sofia smiled at her mistress and Alcander. She knew her mistress well enough to know, there was no arguement she wouldn't keep argue about, and very seldom did she give in defeated. She had a logical reason for everything, and she used them all to get her way.
"If you have no desire to eat with me, so be it. But I will ask you every morning and every night. So be prepared for a long drawn out arguement. One which I don't intend on losing." She waved her fork at him, then set it down. "I am done Sofia, and thank you for bringing it to me. Now I must ready to face down the Ceasar and my cousin. Find the red velvet for me please?"
Sofia nodded and moved to her trunks, searching for the things she required. Cara stepped out of bed and stretched. Sitting down apon the bench, Sofia came and brushed out her hair. Once done, she had it once again braided and twined with red velvet rope and pearls. She pulled off the nightgown. Standing behind Sofia this time. Slipping on all the layers of clothing she turned for Sofia to tie the back up for her.
"Are you to accompany me everywhere Alcander? Or will there be a guard switch?" Sofia stepped back and Cara slipped on her sandals. she was almost ready. Well she was dressed, mentally she would never be ready for this 'interview'.
In her twenty three years she never heard anything so funny in her life. She laughed, "Oh you are so amusing Alcander! There is no difference between Nobility and Common folk. Just the assumption they are better because they have power and money. But all nobility will fall sooner or later. So stop that nonsence and join me. If you are to guard me, and it could be for the next fifty years, you can come and have something to eat with me." Sofia smiled at her mistress and Alcander. She knew her mistress well enough to know, there was no arguement she wouldn't keep argue about, and very seldom did she give in defeated. She had a logical reason for everything, and she used them all to get her way.
"If you have no desire to eat with me, so be it. But I will ask you every morning and every night. So be prepared for a long drawn out arguement. One which I don't intend on losing." She waved her fork at him, then set it down. "I am done Sofia, and thank you for bringing it to me. Now I must ready to face down the Ceasar and my cousin. Find the red velvet for me please?"
Sofia nodded and moved to her trunks, searching for the things she required. Cara stepped out of bed and stretched. Sitting down apon the bench, Sofia came and brushed out her hair. Once done, she had it once again braided and twined with red velvet rope and pearls. She pulled off the nightgown. Standing behind Sofia this time. Slipping on all the layers of clothing she turned for Sofia to tie the back up for her.
"Are you to accompany me everywhere Alcander? Or will there be a guard switch?" Sofia stepped back and Cara slipped on her sandals. she was almost ready. Well she was dressed, mentally she would never be ready for this 'interview'.
Alcander
Alcander's eyebrow raised at her words. This was a very different attitude from the one he was used to being around. "A wonderful thought," He said watching her close for a reaction,"One you might tell all the men who have faced the lions as well as friends in the colleseum. At least you might if they had survived."
He laughed outright when she told him she would argue with him every day. "Thank you for letting me know," He said with a devilish grin,"I shall put it on the daily schedule so that neither of us forgets, dear lady." Still laughing softly he watched her dress, averting his eyes when proper and answered her question when he was asked. "Where you go, I go," He said to her. "Ceaser has deemed it prudent to have no change of guards. One guard means any irresponsibility cannot be passed around. IF something goes wrong they will know whose fault it is."
With a bow, Alcander openes the door and waits for her to exit ahead of him. "Now, if you are ready, My Lady?"
Alcander's eyebrow raised at her words. This was a very different attitude from the one he was used to being around. "A wonderful thought," He said watching her close for a reaction,"One you might tell all the men who have faced the lions as well as friends in the colleseum. At least you might if they had survived."
He laughed outright when she told him she would argue with him every day. "Thank you for letting me know," He said with a devilish grin,"I shall put it on the daily schedule so that neither of us forgets, dear lady." Still laughing softly he watched her dress, averting his eyes when proper and answered her question when he was asked. "Where you go, I go," He said to her. "Ceaser has deemed it prudent to have no change of guards. One guard means any irresponsibility cannot be passed around. IF something goes wrong they will know whose fault it is."
With a bow, Alcander openes the door and waits for her to exit ahead of him. "Now, if you are ready, My Lady?"
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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- Aug 22, 2001
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- 14,767
Cara
"Oh really? Everywhere I go you are to follow? Well that might prove to be a fascinating journey. I can not wait to see where you wont go.." She smiled to herself, wondering how he would react if she brought her lover here to share her rooms while he was guarding. Perhaps he enjoyed watching?
"I am sorry about your friends who died for their entertainment. But I assure you I wont be watching those vile slaughters." She moved before him, her eyes meeting his briefly. There was something in his gaze that made her heart skip painfully and her breath still a moment. She shook herself out of it and moved ahead of him. That was a strange reaction, but perhaps her journey here had something to do with it?
"Well Alcander, perhaps we shall have fun with these little debates? Yes?" She smiled as she walked slowly ahead of him. He could not see her smile, but her voice reflected it in her tone.
She paused at the counsel doors. It was time to go in and face the lions. One job she wished she did not have to do.
"Give me patients, and sanity still intact when I depart these rooms..." She whispered to herself.
She glided into the room, her head held high. She bowed her head to her uncle and to her Cousin.
"Ceasar.. Cousin. Good morn to you both." She moved towards a chair, another came up behind her and pulled her seat out for her. Once seated Alcander moved behind her, watching.
Her uncle spoke up first, "Cara, You are a sight for these old eyes. It is good you joined us. your family.. We are doing our best to save the royal line. It has all but dwindled down to us three seated here today. I know.. this is business, not pleasure that brought you to us. And I am sorry to hear of my sister's passing. But you are of royal blood, and you are needed to carry on the line. I was thinking of an alliance.."
"Father, let me speak.." her cousin turned to her, giving her a cold glance. She ignored the sick feeling settling over her, and smiled in his direction.
"Care.. I would like to keep the royal line pure.. Do you understand?"
She shook her head, "No, I do not, but you can explain thus to me further?"
He nodded his head, "yes, I would like for our family line to continue on. Meaning, if we both marry one of us is bound to produce and male child. And the future of Rome. You must find someone suitable for an alliance. I myself have picked a bride, and she will arrive with in a few months time for our wedding. I would like to have a double wedding, If you can find someone by then?"
She nodded her head, "I understand. I do not know if I can find someone to love so soon... but.."
"Love? You aren't marrying for love, but to produce the heir to our reign. No more nonsense of love. Just find a royal line and pick one. I must go Father, good eve Cara."
With that he rose from his chair and left the cousel room.
"Well Uncle, I shall go and see what I can think of. Perhaps I can find someone?"
He smiled at her and patted her hand, "Marry who you desire Cara, not who Max wants you to. Good eve Niece. There will be a masquerade tomorrow night, Seamstresses are preparing you a gown. I do hope you will like it. Until then." He bowed and left her sitting there. She pushed back her chair and walked back to her rooms. This was not going to be easy for her. She had no idea whom she could wed that would be suitable for their family.
She sighed, life was tough at times.
"Alcander?" She turned to where he was stationed at the door.
"What are these masquerades like?" She sat looking in the mirror, wondering why her?
"Oh really? Everywhere I go you are to follow? Well that might prove to be a fascinating journey. I can not wait to see where you wont go.." She smiled to herself, wondering how he would react if she brought her lover here to share her rooms while he was guarding. Perhaps he enjoyed watching?
"I am sorry about your friends who died for their entertainment. But I assure you I wont be watching those vile slaughters." She moved before him, her eyes meeting his briefly. There was something in his gaze that made her heart skip painfully and her breath still a moment. She shook herself out of it and moved ahead of him. That was a strange reaction, but perhaps her journey here had something to do with it?
"Well Alcander, perhaps we shall have fun with these little debates? Yes?" She smiled as she walked slowly ahead of him. He could not see her smile, but her voice reflected it in her tone.
She paused at the counsel doors. It was time to go in and face the lions. One job she wished she did not have to do.
"Give me patients, and sanity still intact when I depart these rooms..." She whispered to herself.
She glided into the room, her head held high. She bowed her head to her uncle and to her Cousin.
"Ceasar.. Cousin. Good morn to you both." She moved towards a chair, another came up behind her and pulled her seat out for her. Once seated Alcander moved behind her, watching.
Her uncle spoke up first, "Cara, You are a sight for these old eyes. It is good you joined us. your family.. We are doing our best to save the royal line. It has all but dwindled down to us three seated here today. I know.. this is business, not pleasure that brought you to us. And I am sorry to hear of my sister's passing. But you are of royal blood, and you are needed to carry on the line. I was thinking of an alliance.."
"Father, let me speak.." her cousin turned to her, giving her a cold glance. She ignored the sick feeling settling over her, and smiled in his direction.
"Care.. I would like to keep the royal line pure.. Do you understand?"
She shook her head, "No, I do not, but you can explain thus to me further?"
He nodded his head, "yes, I would like for our family line to continue on. Meaning, if we both marry one of us is bound to produce and male child. And the future of Rome. You must find someone suitable for an alliance. I myself have picked a bride, and she will arrive with in a few months time for our wedding. I would like to have a double wedding, If you can find someone by then?"
She nodded her head, "I understand. I do not know if I can find someone to love so soon... but.."
"Love? You aren't marrying for love, but to produce the heir to our reign. No more nonsense of love. Just find a royal line and pick one. I must go Father, good eve Cara."
With that he rose from his chair and left the cousel room.
"Well Uncle, I shall go and see what I can think of. Perhaps I can find someone?"
He smiled at her and patted her hand, "Marry who you desire Cara, not who Max wants you to. Good eve Niece. There will be a masquerade tomorrow night, Seamstresses are preparing you a gown. I do hope you will like it. Until then." He bowed and left her sitting there. She pushed back her chair and walked back to her rooms. This was not going to be easy for her. She had no idea whom she could wed that would be suitable for their family.
She sighed, life was tough at times.
"Alcander?" She turned to where he was stationed at the door.
"What are these masquerades like?" She sat looking in the mirror, wondering why her?
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Alcander
OOC Sorry about not being around. Personal problems kept me offline.
IC Alcander smiled at her comeback. She was spunky. He liked that in a woman. With a low laugh he followed her to the room where she was to meet her cousin and the ruler of Rome. Stationing himself behind her he listened to the conversation with no expression at all on his face. But inside he was thinking about how he really did not like the young heir to the throne. The young man was wasteful, snobbish and powermad. Rumors and enuindos attatched him to some attempts at the ruler's life but no proof was forthcoming and Alcander was not sure that there could be enough proof to convince Ceasar that his own blood was plotting against him. Alcander did not know for sure but he would not put it past him.
The soldier was very surprised when Cara mentioned marrying for love. There was an unusual idea among royalty. Maybe Alcander had read her wrong. At that moment he found his heart going out to her. She did not know what she was up against. No matter what Ceasar said he knew the young Maximus well enough that he would find a way to get the young girl to do what he wanted no matter what Ceasar said.
He followed Cara back to her room deep in thought. Once they arrived he stationed himself at the door again and was startled out of his thoughts by her question. It took a minute for him to process what she was asking and he smiled at her as he said, "I guess it depends what gender you are as to what they are like. For the men they seem very boring and long. For the women they seem to be gossip sessions interspersed with jealous picking over of rival's gowns, hair styles and linages. And, of course, you will find the endless matchmaking by the concerned mothers of the young men and women there." He smiled as he spoke but it faded quickly and he cleared his voice as he came to a decision.
"I may regret what I am about to say. It could cost me more than my job. It could cost me my life. If anyone finds out that I am saying these things I could be the next one to fight in the arena but you should know to be cautious around your cousin Maximus. He...is not the most reputable of characters and he is known to go about getting his own way no matter the costs to others. I would caution you to watch out for tricks or traps both in his words and actions."
Alcander fell silent. He had already said to much but she had been warned. Let her do with the information as she would.
OOC Sorry about not being around. Personal problems kept me offline.
IC Alcander smiled at her comeback. She was spunky. He liked that in a woman. With a low laugh he followed her to the room where she was to meet her cousin and the ruler of Rome. Stationing himself behind her he listened to the conversation with no expression at all on his face. But inside he was thinking about how he really did not like the young heir to the throne. The young man was wasteful, snobbish and powermad. Rumors and enuindos attatched him to some attempts at the ruler's life but no proof was forthcoming and Alcander was not sure that there could be enough proof to convince Ceasar that his own blood was plotting against him. Alcander did not know for sure but he would not put it past him.
The soldier was very surprised when Cara mentioned marrying for love. There was an unusual idea among royalty. Maybe Alcander had read her wrong. At that moment he found his heart going out to her. She did not know what she was up against. No matter what Ceasar said he knew the young Maximus well enough that he would find a way to get the young girl to do what he wanted no matter what Ceasar said.
He followed Cara back to her room deep in thought. Once they arrived he stationed himself at the door again and was startled out of his thoughts by her question. It took a minute for him to process what she was asking and he smiled at her as he said, "I guess it depends what gender you are as to what they are like. For the men they seem very boring and long. For the women they seem to be gossip sessions interspersed with jealous picking over of rival's gowns, hair styles and linages. And, of course, you will find the endless matchmaking by the concerned mothers of the young men and women there." He smiled as he spoke but it faded quickly and he cleared his voice as he came to a decision.
"I may regret what I am about to say. It could cost me more than my job. It could cost me my life. If anyone finds out that I am saying these things I could be the next one to fight in the arena but you should know to be cautious around your cousin Maximus. He...is not the most reputable of characters and he is known to go about getting his own way no matter the costs to others. I would caution you to watch out for tricks or traps both in his words and actions."
Alcander fell silent. He had already said to much but she had been warned. Let her do with the information as she would.
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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- Aug 22, 2001
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- 14,767
Cara
She sat down on the edge of her seat, watching him. "It does not sound as if this masquerade with be any fun for me. But if the Ceasar commands I attend, I must attend." He seemed a little worried from the expression on his face, he cleared his throat and spoke up once more.
"Yes, Maximus is very dangerous. I read it in his expression and on his face. That is why I must think of something before Ceasar retires, if not is killed. I can not be forced to wed. I will flee Rome before I allowe that to happen to me." She stood up and paced the room, her heart heavy with worry. She stopped and looked at Alcander, "No fear, I will not repeat anything you have told me. I am new to this. Royalty or not, I was not brought up this way. I think my Mother knew what life was like here, and that is why she fled and married my father. Who could be content here? Aside from riches, this is a cold lonely place. This Palace is nothing but marble and stone. The gold is just a lure into the spiders web. My mother would tell me this time and time again. But what can I do about it? I am a mere female. I have to obey my Ceasar or suffer the consequences."
She sat down, her mind working non-stop to find a way out of this, but was there one?
"Alligations? Is there any proof Max is trying to kill my uncle? Anyone who can be bought to tell all?" She stood up once more and move towards Alcander, her eyes searching his face. He seemed familiar to her, perhaps she had seen him when she arrived last night? Before he was assigned to her?
There was a knock on her door and a footman entered bowing as Maximus entered the room.
"Cousin. Alcander excuse us for a moment." He turned to look at Cara, his eyes lighting up. He came forward and took her hands into both of his.
"Cara.. Sit please?" She let him lead her to a chair and seated. Her eyes strained on him as he sat beside her on a foot stool.
"I have the perfect solution to this whole mess. If.. And I am not saying you have to Cara.. But if you can not find a suitable husband by the weeks end.. Perhaps.. No I am being silly." he turned from her a moment, he looked so serious. She wondered what he was thinking?
"Max.. What?" She whispered, moving to the edge of her seat to look at him.
"You and I Cara.. Think about it? We could rule all of Rome together. It is where you aught to be. A queen, not someone's slave." His eyes met hers, and she had to cover her shock quickly.
She felt a cold feeling center into her, she was speachless?!
"I ..."
He let go over one of her hands and put his fingertips over her lips. "Do not answer right away, You need to think about it carefully.. consider all we can have together, and also an heir to the throne who can not be unseated. Just think about it Cara." He stood, kissing her knuckles on the hand he still held. He bowed slightly, she bowed her head to him and he walked right back out the door.
She fell back hard into the chair, dumbfounded with this whole thing. She looked down at her hand he had kissed, and wiped it off on her skirts. A cold feeling crept over her once more. This was not going to be easy..
She sat down on the edge of her seat, watching him. "It does not sound as if this masquerade with be any fun for me. But if the Ceasar commands I attend, I must attend." He seemed a little worried from the expression on his face, he cleared his throat and spoke up once more.
"Yes, Maximus is very dangerous. I read it in his expression and on his face. That is why I must think of something before Ceasar retires, if not is killed. I can not be forced to wed. I will flee Rome before I allowe that to happen to me." She stood up and paced the room, her heart heavy with worry. She stopped and looked at Alcander, "No fear, I will not repeat anything you have told me. I am new to this. Royalty or not, I was not brought up this way. I think my Mother knew what life was like here, and that is why she fled and married my father. Who could be content here? Aside from riches, this is a cold lonely place. This Palace is nothing but marble and stone. The gold is just a lure into the spiders web. My mother would tell me this time and time again. But what can I do about it? I am a mere female. I have to obey my Ceasar or suffer the consequences."
She sat down, her mind working non-stop to find a way out of this, but was there one?
"Alligations? Is there any proof Max is trying to kill my uncle? Anyone who can be bought to tell all?" She stood up once more and move towards Alcander, her eyes searching his face. He seemed familiar to her, perhaps she had seen him when she arrived last night? Before he was assigned to her?
There was a knock on her door and a footman entered bowing as Maximus entered the room.
"Cousin. Alcander excuse us for a moment." He turned to look at Cara, his eyes lighting up. He came forward and took her hands into both of his.
"Cara.. Sit please?" She let him lead her to a chair and seated. Her eyes strained on him as he sat beside her on a foot stool.
"I have the perfect solution to this whole mess. If.. And I am not saying you have to Cara.. But if you can not find a suitable husband by the weeks end.. Perhaps.. No I am being silly." he turned from her a moment, he looked so serious. She wondered what he was thinking?
"Max.. What?" She whispered, moving to the edge of her seat to look at him.
"You and I Cara.. Think about it? We could rule all of Rome together. It is where you aught to be. A queen, not someone's slave." His eyes met hers, and she had to cover her shock quickly.
She felt a cold feeling center into her, she was speachless?!
"I ..."
He let go over one of her hands and put his fingertips over her lips. "Do not answer right away, You need to think about it carefully.. consider all we can have together, and also an heir to the throne who can not be unseated. Just think about it Cara." He stood, kissing her knuckles on the hand he still held. He bowed slightly, she bowed her head to him and he walked right back out the door.
She fell back hard into the chair, dumbfounded with this whole thing. She looked down at her hand he had kissed, and wiped it off on her skirts. A cold feeling crept over her once more. This was not going to be easy..
Alcander
Alcander was about to answer Cara and tell her that there was no one that would come up against her cousin when the subject of their conversations walked in and dismissed him. Alcander hesitated not wanting to leave her with Maximus but having no choice. He glanced her way catching her eyes for a moment and for a moment a feeling of having known her before jolted through him but he brushed it off and stepped outside the door waiting for the heir to the throne to leave.
Once Maximus had exited the chambers Alcander entered again with a glare at the back of the young heir's head. He would not just visit out of the blue. There had to be a purpose to it. Striding back into the room he frowned at the troubled look on Cara's face.
"Pardon me if I am being forward but you seem troubled," He said not knowing why he felt he must butt into things that were clearly no concern of his own.
Alcander was about to answer Cara and tell her that there was no one that would come up against her cousin when the subject of their conversations walked in and dismissed him. Alcander hesitated not wanting to leave her with Maximus but having no choice. He glanced her way catching her eyes for a moment and for a moment a feeling of having known her before jolted through him but he brushed it off and stepped outside the door waiting for the heir to the throne to leave.
Once Maximus had exited the chambers Alcander entered again with a glare at the back of the young heir's head. He would not just visit out of the blue. There had to be a purpose to it. Striding back into the room he frowned at the troubled look on Cara's face.
"Pardon me if I am being forward but you seem troubled," He said not knowing why he felt he must butt into things that were clearly no concern of his own.
Sweetp4u
Mischief Maker
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- Aug 22, 2001
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Cara
She looked up as Alcander came back in.
"Next time do not listen to him and leave. You are now my guard, not his. Sorry, but I am edgy. Perhaps I should take a walk or a bath. Something to relax." She stood up from the chair, her knees feeling weak from her ordeal.
She walked over to Alcander, this time getting close enough she had to look up to meet his eyes.
"Max wants to marry me." Thats all she said, her fear in her eyes, she did not know what to do. She glanced back down and stood there a moment, feeling even more helpless than before. She fairly growled in her anger at these feelings Max caused in her, "I will find a suitable husband or leave. But I wont marry my cousin. Rome be damned without a ruler like him? I doubt it." She glanced up at him, wondering if he had a solution she could not find?
"It does not matter, what bothers me will pass. Given time and a solution to this problem. But we should also watch my uncle well. If he dies before I can get out of here... Max will keep me prisoner. I just know he will.."
She looked up as Alcander came back in.
"Next time do not listen to him and leave. You are now my guard, not his. Sorry, but I am edgy. Perhaps I should take a walk or a bath. Something to relax." She stood up from the chair, her knees feeling weak from her ordeal.
She walked over to Alcander, this time getting close enough she had to look up to meet his eyes.
"Max wants to marry me." Thats all she said, her fear in her eyes, she did not know what to do. She glanced back down and stood there a moment, feeling even more helpless than before. She fairly growled in her anger at these feelings Max caused in her, "I will find a suitable husband or leave. But I wont marry my cousin. Rome be damned without a ruler like him? I doubt it." She glanced up at him, wondering if he had a solution she could not find?
"It does not matter, what bothers me will pass. Given time and a solution to this problem. But we should also watch my uncle well. If he dies before I can get out of here... Max will keep me prisoner. I just know he will.."
Alcander
Alcander looked down at Cara as she moved closer to him. "If that is what you wish," He said when she told him not to leave next time. He saw she looked a bit weak in the knees and automatically reached out to steady her by her elbow his own large hand closing about her arm but not roughly.
He was taken back by what she told him but was not totally surprised. "So he is tying up the throne is he? If he were to marry you than none of your children could challenge his for the throne. Clever and he will have it that way if you do not watch out."
"There is a beautiful garden with a wonderful fountain inside the palace walls," He told her when she mentioned getting away from it all,"Or I will call your servant and have her draw you a bath. Either way I will not leave your side until you tell me to."
His mind was working on her problem even before she answered him and he briefly wondered why he should even care about her feelings or future. "As for a husband you might find one at the party tonight but I doubt it. If that is Maximus' plan he will have invited only those you are sure to reject to it. I would not put it past him to announce your engagement this night as well. He will strike in a place where you dare not confront him.
Alcander's brow furrowed in thought. "There are only two solutions. Either you must find a look alike replacement for yourself or you must produce a man who you can declare as your intended before your cousin can make a move even if that man is someone you have no intention of marrying but who will at least delay any further action from Maximus. Other than that by the end of this evening you will be trapped in his plot to rule Rome with an iron hand."
Alcander looked down at Cara as she moved closer to him. "If that is what you wish," He said when she told him not to leave next time. He saw she looked a bit weak in the knees and automatically reached out to steady her by her elbow his own large hand closing about her arm but not roughly.
He was taken back by what she told him but was not totally surprised. "So he is tying up the throne is he? If he were to marry you than none of your children could challenge his for the throne. Clever and he will have it that way if you do not watch out."
"There is a beautiful garden with a wonderful fountain inside the palace walls," He told her when she mentioned getting away from it all,"Or I will call your servant and have her draw you a bath. Either way I will not leave your side until you tell me to."
His mind was working on her problem even before she answered him and he briefly wondered why he should even care about her feelings or future. "As for a husband you might find one at the party tonight but I doubt it. If that is Maximus' plan he will have invited only those you are sure to reject to it. I would not put it past him to announce your engagement this night as well. He will strike in a place where you dare not confront him.
Alcander's brow furrowed in thought. "There are only two solutions. Either you must find a look alike replacement for yourself or you must produce a man who you can declare as your intended before your cousin can make a move even if that man is someone you have no intention of marrying but who will at least delay any further action from Maximus. Other than that by the end of this evening you will be trapped in his plot to rule Rome with an iron hand."
