IV

PRINCESS ROSHANNE

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Early the next morning  princess Roshanne finds herself in her father's war room along with his councils and several noble ladies and lords, the king summons them to plan yet another attack. Ever since Roshanne could remember it her father had been obsessed into conquering the nine kingdoms and uniting it, despite having possessed the largest land in the realm her father seems to dissatisfied with just having to rule one kingdom. Roshanne stood by the window as she listens to the man bickering, arguing wheatear it be a wise idea to conquer the Adari kingdom or conquer the small kingdom of living island.

"The Rivervale have already stands their guard. They have already place border patrols in case we decide to attack them." Lord Boromir, his father war councilor have stated.

" What does it have to do with war plan?" Lord Carlstin, his father councilor or coins of asked.

" They offered alliance to the living island, the Crab king offered his daughter's hand in marriage to the son of King Hagor." Answered Lord Boromir before looking at his majesty.

" It would be a wise idea to just attack Adari your grace. After all the princes are already stationed there and have said to capture the Golden hills, one more push and we will be able to conquer their City." Lord Boromir suggested, Roshanne shakes her head, even if they push the first battalion it would not be enough.

" Even if we capture the city my king, we wouldn't be able to hold it for long. The war in the narrow Field have already cost a toll on us." It was lady Eufreme who spoke, as usual lady Lara stood by her side. Roshanne looked at the Marchioness, she was looking at the map at the table.

" What if we station another group of dragons riders?" Suggested by lord Glen, his father's Peace councilor.

" We cannot afford to place another set of dragon riders in Adari. We already lost ten to them" She suddenly spoke catching everyone's attention.

" I'm sure we could still place some of them." Lord Glen pushes iring her. She squinted her eyes at him.

" As the princess and Sainte, I was tasked by my father to look after the wellbeing of the dragons and their riders, and I'm not willing to sacrifice another dozen of them. Unless you are fine with sending your own sons." She told him, making him pale... Lord Glen's three sons are riders, but does not have any experience when it comes to war.

" They are our only advantages your highness, what do you suggest we do to win this war?" Lady Eufreme asked her. Roshanne walked closer to the table and stared at the map laid there. She looks at the kingdom of Adari and then to the kingdom of Lysos.

"Ask for support from Lysos, send half of their warrior and order our men back here in capital to regroup." This made everyone raise their brow.

"A fine idea." The king suddenly spoke looking at her daughter.

"But your grace... Do you think the lord Titus would be willing enough to risk his men?" Lord Boromir asked him. This time it was Roshanne who answered him.

"We have her daughter lord Boromir... Surely he wouldn't want any hard to come to his daughter." She stated before placing the coin of Lysos in the golden hills.

"Send them." She told them.

"It's too much... We cannot afford to support them... We are of short money to pay them. The war is quickly draining our coffer your grace." This annoyed Roshanne, this shouldn't be happening, if her father had just listen to her and assigned her as his councilor of coins this wouldn't happen.

"Then I will go there myself, I will bring Wildfyre with me." She suggested but her father shakes his head.

"I cannot risk you. Not when I could offer your hand with the king of Rivervale." He stated, Roshanne froze in her place and looked at her father as if he grew another pair of head.

" The prince of Rivervale is not worth of my hands father, I am the Sainte you ought to know that. Offering my hand in marriage to a prince of a neighboring kingdom is an insult to the Gods." She stated reminding him that a golden Heir cannot marry outside of their family." Her father laughed at her words as if she was telling him another silly jokes and it made her clench her jaw... If she could not persuade him not to give her hand to some low life prince, Roshanne might face another problem.

" The Gods be damned, I could win without them." This made everyone in the room gasp, even the bishop in the room closed his eyes and started praying, this made her hiss.

" You have insulted the gods too much father, this war had cause you the life of your heir... Of your son, giving me away would make you without any heir." Her words had only fallen to deaf ear.

" You're not my heir." She clenches her first and faced him fully.

"And neither is Kaspian... That bastard son of yours would drive this kingdom to ruin! He would rather whore around than attend to his duty!" Her voice raised, her father had dare to insult her again. His ego and his ambition had blind him! And Roshanne still often wonders how the gods had not strike him down yet.

" Neither of you is my true heir... But fret not I will have another... That girl would give me golden sons." Roshanne shakes her head, her father has too much fait that the red princess would give him another son... She looks at everyone in the room and none dare to meet her gaze.

" Pray forgive me your majesty, but I must agree with her highness." Everyone looked at the Marchioness.

" The princess serves as your true heir, even though you still refuses to name her... To the common people she is the true heir... And the temple needs her... Giving her away would leave our kingdom vulnerable... It would cause civil war... And we cannot let that happen while we are at war... If you wishes to succeed in this war... Let the princess stay as the Sainte... And for now let us heed her suggestions. Send the Lysos army at front and have our own retreat... I will send two of my dragon rider to front and assist with the siege of the city. For now we would have to push our coffers... If we could take over Adari then we would have a closer access to trade with the kingdom of Greendale in Genosis." Lady Eufreme explained to the king in which the other lords have agreed.

" Very well... Then we shall do as what the princess has suggested. Lord Boromir I trust you to execute this plan as soon as possible." After the king had said that she did not dare wait for him to dismiss her and left in haste. Her body was shaking from holding back her anger... How dare him insult her? She who was the chosen one of the Gods? He should be thankful that she hadn't yet dare to dispose of him... If she wasn't just afraid of losing her blessings she would have killed him herself, she would have driven a sword right at his guts, if her powers weren't in the line. She stopped walking and closes her eyes, its the one thing that is very frustrating for her... She couldn't kill him, the moment his blood is spilled by her she would lose her powers. There is a unwritten law, between a king Ang his heir...so long as the king lives and seat the throne, his heir is forbidden from killing him.

"Frustrating isn't it?" She heard the familiar voice of lady Lara. She took a deep breath and collected herself before slowly turning to look at her.

"Good evening lady Lara." She greeted her with practiced grace, lady Lara smirks and crosses her arm.

"How does it feel? Not being heard and being ignored purposely?" She raised her brow but did not dare to speak, for years Lady Lara had been calling for an audience with the king and his council, asking to be heard about the said rebellion rising. But her plea and calls had been ignored, she even wrote to her about it. But Roshanne couldn't find the time to deal with it as she is currently busy balancing the affairs of the kingdom and being a Sainte.

"I understand how frustrating it is your highness, trust me I've been there." She told her before taking another step closer her. Lady Lara is unlike the other ladies, the other noble ladies prefer to wear dresses while lady Lara on the other hand prefers wearing leather and armor, she spends more time on dragon back than she spends on land. But despite being different, she continues to be influencial.

"Forgive me for not being able to response to your concern lady Lara... There's a lot in my hand." She simply apologize before turning around to take her leave, but lady Lara suddenly spoke.

"Perhaps her highness would like to make a deal with me." She stops again and slowly turn around, she raised her eyebrow at her and waited for her to continue.

"The kingdom cannot afford to remain divided for so long princess. Two fractions have already been made... One supporting your claim and the other the Prince." Her eyebrow furrowed at the lady's notion, Fractions? She was not aware of such news... Where did the lady heard of it? She aught to know... As a princess and as a Sainte she had several spy under her, working for her... But yet all failed to mention to her about this said fraction.

"Our kingdom remains weak as long as the title of Heir remains vacant... I would very much like to have your cooperation with us your Highness, to stop this nonsense, unless you are fine with having your father sire another heir with that savage woman." At the mention of her father and his mistress Roshanne couldn't help but feel ire, her father's word ringing in her ears. As much as this offer sounds tempting she must remain cautious, for so long she have been without ally, she plot things in her own Accord, and while murder is completely forbidden for her... It does not stop her hands from doing so. After all there are people willing enough to commit crime for her. And it isn't her father whom she's trying to kill in the first place, it was her contenders. Brothers who pose treats, wives who boast too much. While it's good to know that she has someone backing her, she must still be cautious, for she could never know if this is a trap or not.

"Give me time to think lady Lara... And I shall have my answer given to you in three days time." Was all she said before dismissing herself and leaving her there. For decades Roshanne had gather a list of possible supporters from the nobles while some already proposed and showed their support on her, she must admit that she lack the support of those influential once and that's what she ought to have... There are about twelve noble families that are influential, she had chosen carefully those who she may have a chance with... And lady Lara isn't one of them.

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DAE

Early the next morning Dae was awakened by a maid, no older than her, kind eyes greeted her own and warm smile.

"Good morning my lady." The girl greeted her, Dae looked outside her window only to see that sun had began to rise.

"I am Neviska, her highness, princess Roshanne had assigned me to be your servant." Neviska had introduce herself all the while keeping that same bright smile towards her, Dae couldn't help but return the smile to her.

"Good morning." She finally greeted before rising from her bed, Neviska had prepared a pair of slippers for her to wear before giving her a robe. To then assist her towards the bathroom where the tub was already filled with warm water.

"There will be a morning breakfast together with the king my lady. The princess wishes to inform you that you should wear a proper dress." Dae felt her face reddened when Neviska started removing her robe followed by her nightdress, she wasn't used to having someone assist her into taking a bath. Once naked Neviska had helped her inside the bath.

"Is the water to your liking my lady?" Dae nods her head, the water is warm and soothes her, back in Lyson she was only ever allowed to bathe in cold water. So sometimes she dreaded taking early showers.

"What would you like me to apply to your hair my lady? The lavender scented oil or the jasmin one?" Dae looked at the bottle presented to her, and decided to have the latter, Neviska nods her head and applied generous amount.

After her bath Neviska had led her to the dressing room, but opening it, they were greeted with few old clothes hands down to her by her sisters. It was the only dresses she owns given to her by her father before she partakes.

"Do you have any other dresses my lady?" Neviska asked worriedly, Dae shakes her head. No she have no other. She nothing on her name.

"I see, what dress would you like to wear then? Something that would make you feel at ease? Or comfortable enough?" Dae looked at the pale blue dress that was there, and decided to wear it, Neviska smiles at her.

" Would this be alright?" She asked her, and of course Neviska nods her head and once again helped her.

" Don't worry my lady, if you wanted it, we could buy you some new dresses. One that befits of your status." Neviska offered her another smile in which of course she returns.

" Would I be dining with just the king and his daughter?" She asked him while Neviska was fixing her dress.

" I am afraid not, every breakfast it is required by the king that his other consorts join him in the feast, I believe his other sons would be there too." Dae winced when Neviska pulled too hard, but she did not complain and just allowed her to do as she pleases, once done Neviska had brushed her hair and put it in a braid before accompanying her to the great hall where the king is at.

The large door of the great hall was open, and her arrival was announced by the guard that stood their, upon stepping inside the great hall, she was quick to notice several women sitting by the table and some men, all posses the same color of hair as the crown prince... The king was seated at the head of the table, but one person stood out amongst this many people, it was the princess who sat by the side of her father next to an empty chair, her eyes bore against her own with intensity that she could not match, she looked away from her and instead looked at the king before curtsying.

"Your grace." She greeted him, the king smiled and motioned for her to take a seat at the empty chair between him and the princess, Dae walked towards them, but she did not fail to notice the stare of the other wives as she approaches. It made her knees tremble with anxiousness, because she wasn't used to too much attention.

"Come, dine with us." He spoke once she seated, she did not turn to the king but instead to the princess who paid her no mind and continued to eat. When the princess made no move to acknowledge her only then did Dae turn to look towards the table. It was like a feast, many food were laid down the table presented and she was overwhelmed by it, she was not used to eating too much, back in the tower she was only ever allowed to eat stale bread and cheese... Sometimes she was only ever allowed to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner would have to wait for another day. So she was overwhelmed.

"Is the food not your liking my lady?" The princess suddenly asked her, Dae turns towards her, breath hitching in the process as she realizes that the princess was too near to her that she could smell her perfume.

"N-no... It's just I'm not familiar with some of these dish." She lied to her, the princess turns towards the table and hums before picking something and placing it on her plate.

"Try that one... It's good." She stated, Dae nods her head but hesitates, she does not know why the princess suddenly care,when just yesterday the princess was bit cold to her, nevertheless she pick up the fork and knife, she cut a piece before taking a bite, and she couldn't help but moan when she taste how delicious it was.

"I assume that it is to your liking my lady?" She asked her and Dae could only nod her head as she took another bite, she had not tasted something so good in the past.

"Help yourself." She felt the princess hand on her back before she returns her attention to her own plate. Dae ate with the princess in silence, she did not pay any attention to the eyes that watches her like a vulture, no she was quite happy to what she has.

"Your father sent us a raven." The king suddenly asked, making her stop amidst her bite, she looks at the king only to notice that he was looking at her, with a look she could not understand.

"He will be arriving here tomorrow." Sudden dread fell into her stomach at the notion that her father would soon join them. Dae was suddenly reminded of the chain that was tied around her throat, how foolish of her to think that she will ever be freed from this chain.

"That's a good news your grace. I can't wait to see my father." She lied, smiling at him, and then she felt his hand on hers, revulsion crept to her body when his cold skin made contact to her own.

"I'm planning to make him a man of my court. He is with great knowledge of war... I can use his advice. And I wish for him to meet his grandson in the future, wouldn't you like it if your family work closer to you?" Dae only nod before gently removing his hand from her own, she paled at the notion of having to carry the king's children one day. The king did not pay any mind to her after that, but Dae's appetite had diminished, the foods no longer looked appealing for her. But she still forced herself to eat.

"I'm finished father. I will take my leave." Princess Roshanne graceful rose from her chair, Dae followed her every move, while she could not deny the feeling of disappointment, she wanted to remain in the presence of the princess a bit longer, she wanted to stop her, but then she remembers, who is she to demand?. The king only nods his head and dismissed her with a wave of his hand.

"But I do wish to ask for lady Dae's company. If that's not too much." The princess smiles at her. Dae returned it before turning to the king who now looks at them.

" If the lady wishe-" Before the king could finish his sentence Dae had already stood.

" I don't mind." She spoke in a haze that made the king's brow rise... Dae cleared her throat and collected herself.

" I don't mind your grace." She repeated, in a much softer tone, this pleases him and once again dismissed them. Dae followed the princess out of the great hall, still not paying any mind to the eyes that followed them. Once outside the great hall the princess turned to look at her.

"You didn't meet me at my room my lady." The princess softly chided her making her cheeks color, she had completely forgotten about that.

"I-i apologize your highness, I did not intend to make you wait." She apologize to her, the princess sighed and shakes her head.

"I understand that you are of some status back in your kingdom my lady, and I understand that you may be spoiled at some point, but to remember that here you are just but a concubine of my father, you hold no other higher position than just that... My position is still higher than yours... And I'm way more older than you.... So I expect that you show some respect to me." Dae swallowed suddenly feeling that she had ired the Princess for some reason, when the princess continues to walk she follows her silently. Dae had already felt that the princess was older than her, but she does not know how old, for the princess still looks very much young, like perhaps her older sister. Dae watched the figure ahead of her walk, back straight and head held high, she felt a bit jealous, she wished she could walk like that, yesterday at the celebration Dae had noted how the people flaunt around the princess, how she spoke with confidence and how she commanded a room with just a glare from her golden eyes. Regality screams at every pores of the princess and Dae had wished that she was like her at that moment. She wishes she could face that room with same fierceness as the princess.

"I wish for that to never happen again my lady, I hope that you understand." The princess firmly asked her.

"Of course your highness, once again I ask for forgiveness." She answered her, the princess nods her head before taking a turn and leading her to what looks like a garden.

"I have noticed your change in mood when my father mention about you carrying his children. Do you not find joy at the thought of being a mother to a princeling? And a possible heir?" The princess asked her once again, Dae looks down at her hand and sighed. Truthfully she never sees herself as a mother, she never even thought of becoming one until the problem was already laid bare Infront of her.

" I fear the pain of childbirth your highness, I fear the thought of being not good enough and not raising them well. " She admitted watching as the princess face shown understanding as well as pity for her. The princess nods her head and sighed.

" I understand that it could be... Dreadful, the notion of having to bear the pain of childbirth is too much, even for me, I admit that I too fear that notion, after all, some mothers tend to die after giving birth." The princess suddenly turns and faces her before taking her hand in her own.

"But you and I... We are cursed with this womb as much as we are blessed, our battlefield is often in childbirth... While the men navigates the war. That's why to ease you troubled mind I will show you my garden." The princess then pulled her along and they went to the garden

"This is my garden... Given to me by my grandmother." The princess explained, slowing down so Dae could have the time to admire the garden.

"Life in this court is gruesome my lady, people born here have either the blood of dragon or the gods running thick in their veins. When you find yourself tired and need of fresh air... I offer you my garden. A safe heaven... No one is allowed here but a few of my ladies in waiting and few of my father's concubine." Dae looked around the garden in awe, this is the first time she had been in a garden and a beautiful one that.

"It is a privilege I would be forever grateful your highness." She told her while her eyes still roam around the great garden, she had never seen such beauty before, the scent of the flowers wafted through the air giving the place a calm ambiance.

"I wish for us to became friend my lady." The princess suddenly spoke with sincerity that it took Dae's breath away, she was used to seeing the princess with a fierce look on her face, not this caring one.

"Would that be alright?" The princess added. Dae had never have any friends before, the maid who took care of her in the tower could barely be considered as friends, so when the princess asked her of this, her heart swell with something. And finally a smile graces her lips as her cheeks redden.

"It would be my honor to be your friend your highness." She answered earning a sweet smile from the princess herself which Dae had noted to be her new favorite thing to see as it reminded her of the sun rising from the far west. But then that smile only live shortly, as the princess returned to her cold look again. But the hand remained holding her own.

"My father had entrusted me of your education my lady, and in order for me to teach you easily, I shall require your company for the days to come, and that is why I assigned you to be one of my temporary lady in waiting." The princess pause to let her think of the words that she has just said. Dae nodded her head understanding what the princess meant.

"Outside of this garden lady Dae you are my lady in waiting and I will treat you as such... But inside this garden we are friends. You may address as Roshanne... And I will address you as Dae. Would that be fine?"

" Yes your highness." Roshanne smiled at her before letting go of her hand.

" Then everything is settled, tomorrow you shall start your service to me. But for now let me show you around my garden." Dae followed her blindly into the garden, completely happy at the thought of having a friend that the news of her father arriving had completely escape her mind.

As the princess shows her the different flowers that blooms in her garden, Dae's mind momentarily have forgotten the burden she must carry in order to please her father and in order to survive in this cruel world that she finds herself thrusted into. The naive princess finds solace in for the first time in her miserable life that it made her tear up.

"Is everything alright?" The Princess suddenly asked, having noticed her silence for a while. Dae nods her head.

"I just... I have never seen such beauty before."She whispered while her eyes remained glued to the rose the blooms in the princess garden.

"Back in Lysos, in my tower... All I could see was dunes of sand, nothing more... It was as if I was staring at the sea... Only it's made of sands." She reach for the rose and gently touch it, she's afraid that she might ruin it if she grips it too hard.

"Tower?" The princess suddenly came in contact with hers, stopping her from taking a hold of the rose. Dae blinks before she pulled her hands away from the princess, suddenly horrified that she had slipped.

"So it was true? That you were locked in a tower?" The princess added looking at her. Dae gulp, her mind racing thinking of an alibi she could use to cover for the truth that had slipped.

"When I was a child I was sickly. I always am sick... And in order for my father to protect me he placed me in a tower." She lied and stared at the princess eyes, cold sweat appeared on her back, she doesn't know if the princess believes her or not.

"Well, that's must be cruel. I hope you are better now." Dae nods her head, relief washing over her as the princess believes her lie, but it does made her feel bad having to lie.

"You can go here whenever you wish to Dae... You are. Welcome here." There moment though was interrupted by a lady whom Dae had noticed before that had been accompanying the princess.

" My lady... The king request for you in his study." Roshanne nods her head before letting go of Dae's hand.

" As much as I want for this conversation to continue, I'm afraid that duty calls for me... Enjoy the rest of the day my lady. Tomorrow your duty shall begin." The princess had excused herself leaving Dae there alone by herself, now with the freedom she had now in her hand... She doesn't know what to do, and so she stated at the flowers again.

She never had this kind of freedom before. Dae had always remember waking up early in the morn just to study. From morning to noon until she sleeps. She always follows order and strict schedule despite living in a four walled room. She once again looked back at the princess retreating form and wondered... What would her life be if she were in her shoes?.