For the second time in weeks, an array of guests was arriving at the palace. Preparations for the wedding were in full order. The ballroom had been turned into a garden. One more day and the union would be a fact. It was a time of happiness, but Vara could not bring herself to be happy. It felt like her heart was being shattered into a million pieces. And what was even worse, she had to hide it.

She hadn't had the chance to speak with Cyrus. All day long he had been summoned by courtiers and advisors. Ariane had also been kept in her quarters. Not that she had any desire to speak to the woman, but it was better than feeling lonely.

One more day.

She was going to lose him.

They had been thick as thieves for as long as she could remember. Tomorrow all that would change. Cyrus would marry Ariane and they would build a life together, start a family. And she would not be part of it.

Of course on paper she would still be Cyrus' adopted sister, but it would not be the same. She wasn't sure she could take it, seeing the two of them together every day, acting like nothing was wrong.

Vara took a deep breath and with determined steps she walked towards the East Wing where she knew the king to be.

He was speaking to two of his courtiers when she arrived. They bowed to her respectfully.

The king looked up and Vara curtsied. "My king," she said, fighting to keep her voice steady, "may I speak with you?"

King Marcos studied her for a moment, taking in her expression, and nodded for his courtiers to leave. They bowed again and retreated, leaving Vara with the king.

"Walk with me," king Marcos said and he offered her his arm.

They headed outside towards the garden where they would be sure to have privacy.

"The roses look nice this year," king Marcos commented, "my mother will be pleased." He paused and sighed when he didn't get a reaction. "I heard you offered to have flowers from Tireze planted for lady Ariane. That was very thoughtful of you."

Vara took a deep breath. "I wish to marry."

"And you will," the king said thoughtful, "I gave my word."

"I know, my king," Vara said, "what I meant to say was that I wish to marry now."

The king's steps halted, forcing Vara to stop as well. "I'm afraid that is not possible," he said calmly.

"What do you mean?" Vara said confused, "I known there have been inquiries. You told me so yourself."

"If I announce your engagement now, if you marry so soon after Cyrus, there will be talk. And if you get with child... there are already rumors, Vara."

"I have never done anything wrong," Vara said angry.

"It's about what people may think, Vara," the king said in a cold tone, "we may finally gain peace. We cannot risk civil war. Weren't you the one to point that out to me not so long ago?"

Vara gritted her teeth, tears were burning in her eyes. It was not fair. She had done nothing wrong. Why did she have to be the one to bear all the pain? "Then send me away," she choked out. Being away from Cyrus would still be better than being confronted with he fact that he was taken.

"I can't," the king said, "that would raise just as much suspicion. Besides, I need you here at court."

"Then what would you have me do?!" Vara now asked desperately.

"You wait," king Marcos said firmly, "I'm already sending Cyrus to Tireze. I'll give him tasks when he gets back. Council meetings, errands, training soldiers. He won't have time for you. A year, Vara. You'll need to wait a year. And then we'll see."

Vara was about to protest, but the king gave her a warning look. He had enough to deal with at he moment. "End of discussion. You can wait one year." Without waiting for a reply, he turned his back on her and walked away.

Vara felt her legs give out and she stumbled towards a bench. Silently she let the tears fall down her cheeks. It wasn't fair. Why had he ever brought her here to the palace? She hadn't asked for all of this to happen. She missed her parents. When her father had begged the king to take care of her, he had wanted the best for her, of that Vara was certain. But he could never have foreseen how things would turn out. Would he have done things differently if he had known?

"We meet again," a voice sounded at her shoulder.

Vara looked up to find a familiar young man standing next to her bench. When he saw her tears, his eyes widened slightly. "Forgive me. I did not mean to disturb you. Are you alright? Did someone hurt you?"

Vara wiped away her tears and offered him a watery smile. "I'm alright."

Iason sat down next to her. "You don't look alright. You were crying." His voice was calm and comforting.

Vara sighed. "Don't worry about me." It seemed the soldier still didn't know her true identity and she liked it that way. He treated her like a normal person, not like the king's ward or the prince's sister, but like she was any other person. It had been a while since anyone had talked to her like that. She didn't count Eunice and Ethan. They had known her all their lives. But this Iason had only seen her once.

"Your leg seems better," Vara said.

Iason smiled and nodded. "It still gets sore when I sit still for a long period of time, but I'll be able to sit on a horse again soon. I suppose I'll be send back to my regiment then."

"Are you afraid?" Vara asked.

"No," he answered, "I want to help to serve my king. I want to feel useful. Besides, it's my duty."

Vara sighed. "Duty," she muttered. She was getting sick of that word.

"It will be a while longer though," Iason said, "the first troops are leaving tomorrow after the wedding. I won't be fit enough by then." He looked at her. "I'm not keeping you from your chores, am I? You must be busy with the preparations. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble."

She was already in trouble, but it had nothing to do with Iason. She smiled at him. "I'll be fine. I only need to get away from all the madness for a minute."

Iason nodded in understanding. "It must be quite stressful with all the guests arriving. Preparations for the festivities and your duties towards your lady."

"I should head back though," Vara said, "before I'm being missed."

"Of course," Iason said and he stood up to help her to her feet. "Have a good day."

Vara nodded at him. "Perhaps our paths will cross again before you leave."

Iason bowed at her politely. "May it be so," he said. He watched her back as she walked away from him and waited until she was out of sight before leaving in the opposite direction.

***

Cyrus hardy heard a word of what was being said to him. The past few days had been busy. After that message from Tireze , informing them that Darius had been made regent, it had been meeting after meeting. His father had insisted he take part in every one of them. Arrangements had to be made, both for the wedding and the upcoming journey to Tireze. The lords of the provinces had sent tribute for the young prince of Tireze, many of their sons would join the entourage to forge new trade connections. There had been discussion on the dispatch of the newly arrived soldiers. Fortifications had to be strengthened at the border and new patrols hips had been finished. It seemed like every day brought to light a new issue and in all this time he had not seen Vara.

To top it all, Iolaus was not here. He had been given the day off so he could visit his fiancée, who had arrived in the city yesterday with her family.

Cyrus gritted his teeth. He had been in a bad mood all day. Tomorrow at this hour, he would be a married man. He would be expected to produce heirs on Ariane. He wasn't blind to the girl's infatuation with him. He ad seen the hopeful look in her eyes. It wasn't something he could ignore.

Despite of what some people might think, he cared about his kingdom and the people in it. He knew this alliance with the kingdom of Tireze was important, but he did not like pretence. And at the moment it seemed he would have to pretend for the rest of his life. Ariane was a sweet girl, but she was also dull. He didn't want her.

"Your highness?"

Cyrus sighed and rubbed his eyes. What had the man asked again? Something about musicians and dinner courses. "I'm sure you are capable of managing," he said, "do as you see fit."

The man bowed and retreated.

Cyrus let out a frustrated sound. He just wanted this over with. And to make matters worse, he'd have to smile through his entire stay in Tireze.

He made his way towards his quarters before someone else could bother him. Once inside, he motioned for a servant to bring him wine. He needed a drink if he wanted to get through the rest of the day. If only he could drink himself all through his wedding too.

***

"Are you nervous, dear?" Eurydice smiled at Ariane kindly and waved away a serving girl who had brought them sweet pastries.

Ariane bit her lip. Lady Eurydice had been very kind to her he past few days. She was a strong woman. Ariane admired her. Perhaps that was where Vara had gotten her strength from. But then again, Vara had probably always been strong. Lady Eurydice had shared stories of how Vara and Cyrus had been as children. They had always been up to something, causing mischief. Even now, their bond was strong.

"A little," she answered lady Eurydice's question.

Eurydice patted her hand. "Don't' worry, child. Cyrus is a good man."

Ariane nodded. "I know, my lady. I am honored to be his wife. I hope I will be able to please him."

"I'm sure you will," Eurydice told her, "you are good for him, my dear. He needs someone like you to support him."

Neither spoke of love. They both knew Cyrus didn't love his bride. But love could grow in time.

"I will not let him down," Ariane said.

"I know you won't," Eurydice said kindly, "and I am proud to welcome you in the family. You can always come to me."

"Thank you, my lady," Ariane said gratefully. She took a few deep breaths. Tomorrow was the day. And then would be her wedding night. Of course she had been informed by her nurse of what would take place. She had been told what to expect and what would be expected of her. It frightened her. It didn't sound very pleasant, rather complicated and painful.

Lady Eurydice seemed to notice her restlessness. She smiled in understanding and stood up. "I will take my leave and let you get some rest. You'll have a busy day tomorrow. You are going to look beautiful."

Ariane bit her lip as she watched the woman leave. She wanted to cry. She doubted she would get any sleep tonight.

When Chloe entered the room Ariane gestured for her to come closer. "Prepare my bath," she instructed the girl. Perhaps a long soak in the hot water would ease mind.

Chloe curtsied and called for water and perfumed oils. She waited for Ariane to reappear from behind the screen and sink into the water. Quietly she began to wash Ariane's hair.

Ariane closed her eyes and tried to relax. The water and oils released some of the tension in her muscles, but her mind kept spinning. Tomorrow she would wed. She wished her father could have been there, or her brother. But she was on her own. Her only consolation was that she would see them again soon.

Ariane sat up in the bath and waved Chloe away. The girl stood quietly and went to retrieve towels and a robe.

"I am retreating for the night," Ariane announced.

Chloe curtsied and left the room

And Ariane was alone.

***

Vara sat behind her vanity an looked at her reflection in the large mirror. Her eyes were still a little red from crying and her expression was one of exhaustion.
Behind her, Eudemas was giving her concerned looks while brushing Vara's hair. She sympathized with Vara. She was well aware of Vara and Cyrus' feelings towards each other. A cruel fate kept them apart.

"You will find happiness, my lady," Eudemas said quietly, "I know you will."

"Thank you, Eudemas," Vara smiled sadly. She sighed. She hated these political games. A year. The king had ordered her to wait a whole year. She knew he wasn't trying to be cruel. She understood his motives. That didn't mean it wouldn't hurt. Seeing Ariane with Cyrus every day, it almost made her glad he would leave for Tireze.

There was a knock on the door. Eudemas looked at Vara questioningly. Vara looked confused. She wasn't expecting visitors, especially this late. She nodded at Eudemas for her to answer the door and she stood up.

Eudemas had barely opened the door when she was already pushed aside by the visitor. Cyrus stepped into the room and headed straight for Vara.

Vara gasped when she looked at him. "Cyrus. What are you doing? You shouldn't be here."

"I had to see you," Cyrus said. He took her shoulders and ran a hand through her hair.

"Have you been drinking?" Vara asked incredulously.

"I am not drunk!" Cyrus growled, "I needed to see you one more time before the wedding." He pressed closer to her.

"You need to leave," Vara choked out. Having him so near was more than she could handle. Already she could feel her resolve diminish.

"You don't want me to leave," Cyrus countered huskily. His shaky hands touched her face, her neck, her arms.

"Please," Vara whispered. She closed her eyes. His presence was distracting her.

"Just this once," Cyrus muttered and his lips found hers. His kiss was passionate and hungry and impossible to resist and Vara found herself kissing back against better judgment.

Cyrus pulled her up against him and Vara pushed away. "No," she said, "we can't do this."

Cyrus cut her off with another kiss. "I need you," he growled.

"Stop," Vara said, but even to her own ears it sounded weak. She backed away from Cyrus. "You need to leave," she said firmly, "you're getting married tomorrow."

Cyrus walked up to her again and cupped her cheek. "I love you," he said heatedly.

"You don't know what you're saying," Vara choked out, "you're drunk."

He grabbed her arms. "I am not drunk!" he pressed his mouth against hers again.

Tears forced their way out of Vara's eyes. She was battling with herself between duty and desire. She needed to do the sensible thing but she did not want to.

The door flew open again and Vara and Cyrus broke apart. Cyrus ran a hand through his hair and swore under his breath while Vara turned her back and tried to calm herself. Her hands were trembling and silent sobs were forcing themselves out of her throat.

"Have you lost your mind, Cyrus?" Iolaus hissed through his teeth. He glared at his friend in disbelieve. Behind him, Eudemas slipped into the room again. She was trembling like a leaf and stared at Cyrus and Vara wide-eyed. Her hands flew to her lips. It was sheer luck she had found Iolaus so fast. He had just returned from the city. If anyone else had walked in... she didn't want to think of the consequences.

"What do you want?" Cyrus hissed at his friend.

"I'm trying to prevent disaster," Iolaus answered., "what were you thinking? You're getting married tomorrow. Your bride is sleeping just down the hall. What if someone else had walked in here?"

Cyrus scoffed. "What do I care?" He pushed past Iolaus and stomped down the hall to his own quarters.

Iolaus sighed and glanced at Vara. He could see she was upset, but he did not have time to deal with her. He looked at Eudemas and stroke her cheek gently. "Take care of her."

Eudemas nodded and closed the door behind him. She walked up to Vara who had sunk to the floor. "My lady," she said softly. Gently she took Vara's shoulders and guided her towards the bed.

Vara was quietly crying and Eudemas locked her arms around her friend and held her close. "It will be alright," she comforted Vara, "just cry. I'll be here."

Vara's hands clung to the back of Eudemas' dress and she closed her eyes. "Thank you."