The lake truly was beautiful. Ariane had never seen such vast waters. The city of Tirzé, where she was born, was not near the ocean and Tireze did not offer many lakes or rivers otherwise.

She could not stop staring.

"How do you like the lake?" Vara had walked up to her and now stood next to her.

"It is very beautiful," Ariane said softly, "thank you for inviting me."

"We used to come here every day," Vara said, "me, Eunice and Ethan. Our parents had to drag us home." She smiled, "we got in trouble a lot."

Ariane stared at her. She had ever been in trouble in her life. What would it be like to run around a village? To go places you weren't supposed to? To let go of restrictions?

Ariane shivered. The thought alone was horrifying. She could never do it. It would only disappoint her father and her brother.

Vara sighed when she didn't receive any response. What would have to happen for Ariane to show some emotion?

"My lady," one of the guards had walked up to them and bowed respectfully.

"Yes Octavius?" Vara acknowledged him.

"We should return to the palace, my lady, " Octavius said, "it will be dark soon."

"Very well," Vara said. It wasn't like she had enjoyed the day much. She wondered how long it would take for Ariane to lower her guard and act like a normal human being. "We will return to the palace right away." She hoped lady Euridice had given her message to the king and there wouldn't be a reprimand. He would not be pleased with her, but the palace had suddenly felt so suffocating. She had never defied the king before.

Well, she would deal with that as the situation would arise.

Torcan had walked up to them and offered his arm to Ariane to guide her back to the carriage. When she stumbled on some loose rocks, he caught her gently and helped her up. "Are you alright, Ari?"

She gave a slight nod and grabbed on to his arm more tightly.

Vara watched it with a thoughtful expression. She had noticed before how easy their relation was and had wondered about it. It seemed more than just two people in a strange land that only knew one another. They didn't act like lovers, but there was certainly affection between the two.

She waited until she was alone with Ariane in the carriage and they were well on their way. She glanced out of the window to make sure the man in question was out of hearing. "You seem to get along with your guard very well," Vara started, "he is your brother's manservant, is he not?"

"Yes," Ariane nodded, "he has been for years."

"Yet your brother left him here to watch over you."

"He trusts Torcan to keep me safe," Ariane said softly.

"Forgive me," Vara said, "but there is something I do not understand."

Ariane looked at her confused. "What would that be, my lady?"

"It was my understanding that in Tireze, servants do not address their masters so casually, but Torcan seems to speak to you as almost an equal and I have even heard him call you by first name."

"Torcan is not just a servant," Ariane told her , "we grew up together and... he is kin."

"Kin?" Vara questioned.

"A third cousin, several times removed," Ariane answered.

"I see," Vara nodded, "still, if he is a relative, that must mean he has noble blood. How did he become a servant?"

Ariane turned red and leaned closer to Vara. "It is not proper for ladies to discuss this matter."

Vara raised an eyebrow. Now this was interesting. "Oh... I see... Is he... out of favor?"

"That would probably be more preferable, " Ariane sighed sadly.

"I suppose it is a secret then," Vara said casually, "I was only wondering. I am not familiar with the customs of Tireze. At least he still has the support of his family. I only found it curious that he is a servant now and not simply a courtier. Iolaus is Cyrus' manservant, but also his friend. I merely wish for Torcan to feel at home here."

"You are most kind, lady Vara," Ariane smiled, "his life has not been easy."

"Surely he was not treated poorly?"

"He was taken as a child by one of the mountain tribes," Ariane explained, "from Balor."

Vara bit her lip. Balor was the country they were currently at war with. Their mountain tribes especially were barbaric and sadistic. "But he was rescued," she stated, "and he looks fine."

Ariane looked down. "I should not have said anything."

"I will not breathe  a word," Vara placed a hand on Ariane's. "I swear."

Ariane looked at her with sad eyes and her lip trembled. "They have hurt him" she whispered.

Vara nodded sympathetically. The tribes were known to torture prisoners. They didn't care much on what step of the social ladder their prisoners were. "Still," she said, "why would being taken prisoner as a child, make him a servant now?"

Ariane stared at her. "Because he can no longer be heir to the family," she explained as if that would be obvious.

"I do not understand," Vara said confused.

Ariane frowned. "He was hurt," she said again.

"Yes," Vara nodded.

Ariane's cheeks turned red and she lowered her eyed.

Vara's eyes went wide when she finally caught on and her cheeks heated up too. "Oh. I see." He hadn't just been tortured then. He had been cut.

So that was why his family had sent him to court. Acting as a bodyguard to the crown prince would at least bring some honor to the family even if it meant he could never carry on his father's name.

"I'm sorry," Vara whispered. She suddenly felt ashamed. She had been fishing for gossip, but had hurt someone's feelings and embarrassed a good man.

"We do not speak of it," Ariane said, "he seems content with his position in the household."

Vara nodded in understanding, but she could not help feeling sad. Torcan seemed to be a kind person. Now he would never have a family of his own. "He is more than welcome at court," she said.

"Oh. No," Ariane told her, "Torcan will not stay here. After the wedding, he will return to Tireze to be at my brother's side."

"I see," Vara said, "but hen you will have no one left from home."

"I'll have my husband," Ariane stated. She looked at Vara and smiled politely. "And a new sister of course."

"Of course," Vara replied uncomfortably. She wondered if Ariane would still think of her fondly if she knew the truth.

"We have arrived, my lady," Octavius announced as soon as the carriage halted. He opened the door and offered his hand to Vara. She accepted his help and climbed out of the carriage.

Torcan stepped forward and assisted Ariane who avoided his eyes. He eyed her strangely but did not comment on it. When he looked up, he caught Vara's eye. She offered him a faint smile. He inclined his head at her. There was something in the way she smiled that made him wonder. Did she know? What had the two girls talked about on the journey home?

Ariane turned to Vara. "Thank you for inviting me today, lady Vara." She curtsied.

"You're welcome," Vara said politely, "perhaps next time we can go with a group. There might even be the opportunity to take a swim."

"I do not know how to swim," Ariane admitted, "there are no streams nearby the city. So I have not learned."

"Then we will teach you," Vara said.

Ariane gave a nervous smile. She wasn't sure she wanted to learn. The water had seemed so deep. What if she would drown? What if there were animals in the water? She nodded at Vara. "I'll retreat now and have some rest before tonight's dinner."

"Very well," Vara answered, "Until tonight." She nodded at Torcan, who in turn inclined his head, and watched as he guided Ariane away.

When they were out of sight, she turned on her heels and headed for the gardens. She needed some time alone.

***

"When the troops arrive," king Marcos, spoke to his son, "I want you to be the one to receive them. Point them towards the barrack and have Octavius oversee them. After they have rested and eaten, we will send out a battalion to accompany them to the battlefield."

"I'm surprised you're not ordering me to take them there myself," Cyrus commented dryly.

"I would have," the king told him, "but we can't risk it now. We've worked too hard to get the support of Tireze. It will all have been for nothing if you get yourself killed."

"Well, I'm glad to hear you have so much confidence in my skills," Cyrus replied sarcastically.

"Do not act like a little child, Cyrus," his father spoke sternly, "even the greatest warrior can fall in battle and you do not have an heir yet."

"If you are so concerned with that, why not move up the date of the wedding? The sooner I can get her with child, the better."

"Don't be vulgar," the king growled angrily, "the date has been set. You will do as you are told."

"As my king commands," Cyrus bowed dramatically.

His father ignored it. "I expect you to be on your best behavior. You will not shame me, nor your country. I am doing this for you as well. When I am no longer in this world, I want you to start your reign in peace, not in blood."

Cyrus gritted his teeth. He knew his father meant well, but he did not like the position he was in. If only he had been a lesser son. "I will receive the men," he agreed.

"And you will have the lady Ariane escort you everywhere you go from now on, with the exception of any improper place of course." When his son was about to protest, he raised his hand. "You have been neglecting her. She will be your wife, Cyrus, whether you like it or not. Act the part. You need to be seen together."

"May I take leave now?" Cyrus asked stiffly.

King Marcos waved impatiently. "Go and find your wife. Make sure you are available when the troops arrive."

Cyrus bowed and stalked out of the room.

***

Iason sighed and leaned back against the stone wall. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the last rays of sunlight of the day.

The daily walks had paid off. His knee was less sore. It was still a long way off from being healed, but at least he wasn't so stiff anymore.

There was the sound of footsteps in the distance and Iason opened his eyes.

 A young woman was picking flowers in the flowerbed just a few feet away.

Iason bit his lip. The gardens were property of the lady Euridice, wife to the former king. He didn't think she'd appreciate it if they were ransacked. The girl had to be one of the servants, perhaps new to the palace.

Carefully he stood up and walked over to the girl. "Excuse me Miss."

The girl turned around startled. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was here other than me."

"I didn't mean to startle you," Iason spoke apologetic, "I only meant to warn you. Those flowers belong to the royal family." He pointed at the flowers in her arms.

"They might not appreciate other people taking them."

The girl smiled. "Are you concerned for me?"

"I wouldn't want you to get in trouble," Iason answered.

"You are most kind to warn me then," she said, still smiling, "but I won't get in trouble for this. These are for the lady Vara's room. Tiger lilies are her favorite."

Iason's yes went wide. "You are lady Vara's maid?"

"You know her?" she asked curiously.

"No," Iason admitted, "I only heard of her. I was surprised the lady would favor such simple flowers. I am sorry for assuming you would take them for yourself."

The girl smiled again. "I am sure the lady would appreciate you protecting her flowers."

Iason blushed at the comment and she laughed softly. "Now," she continued amused, "I could ask why you are here in the palace garden. They are not open to the public and I don't remember seeing you amongst the servants."

"Forgive me," Iason said, "my name is Iason I am a soldier in the king's army. But... I was injured in battle so my commander sent me home. The king has given me permission to enter the gardens so I can walk to make my knee heal faster."

"You fought at the border," the girl mused, "you are very brave then."

"I would never say that about myself," Iason said humbly, "I am only doing my duty as a soldier."

A second pair of footsteps made them look up. Another servant girl made her way over. "There you are!"

The girl with the flowers hastily greeted the newcomer. "Eudemas," she said, "look, I found the flowers for lady Vara's room."

Eudemas studied her carefully for a moment and then glanced at Iason. "Right," she said, "I see." She looked back to her friend. "We should hurry then. Lady Vara is expected by the king. She'll need help preparing her."

"Of course," the girl answered and she looked at Iason. "It was nice meeting you. I wish you well."

Iason bowed politely. "Good day, Miss." He watched the two girls walk away and smiled to himself. He wondered if he would run into her again. There had been something about her. He shook his head amused and walked back to the barracks.

...

Eudemas turned to her friend and sighed. "Really Vara, what game are you playing now? You'll end up in trouble."

Vara rolled her eyes. "I wasn't playing any game. He saw me picking flowers and warned me about repercussions. He was concerned."

"And you didn't tell him the lady Euridice had them planted especially for you?"

Vara smiled. "He did not know who I was."

This time it was Eudemas' turn to roll her eyes. "No, that much was obvious. My lady, you should take a care. He was a soldier and he took you for a serving girl. Imagine what could have happened."

"He was perfectly honorable, I assure you," Vara said.

Eudemas sighed in defeat. "You are hopeless." She took the flowers from Vara's arm. "Just give those and I'll have them arranged in your room. You have an audience with the king."

Vara blinked. "That was real? I thought you had only made that up so I'd come with you." She bit her lip. "Was he very angry?"

"I would not know," Eudemas told her, "Aaron delivered the message to me and I hardly think the king would inform him about the reason you were summoned. What did you do now, my lady?"

"Don't worry about me," Vara said, "how do I look?" She ran a hand through her hair and straightened out her dress.

Eudemas gave her a flat look. "Like you've just gotten out of trouble."

Vara sighed. "Let's hope I'm not headed for more."

Her friend pursed her lips. "In any case, I will be waiting for you in your quarters."

Vara nodded and they parted ways.