Ariane pulled the blanket closer around her and leaned her head on her knees. Behind her in the bed, her husband was still fast asleep. She wasn't sure how to feel. She wasn't sure what she had expected. It had hurt, but she had been prepared for that. He hadn't been cruel. He hadn't been tender. But he had been patient and that was more than enough.

He hadn't sent her to her own chambers after pushing the bloody sheet out the door at his comrades and family. So she had stayed. But she could not sleep. His presence made her nervous.

It was official now. She was a married woman.

She suppresses a shiver. So many duties came with her new position. Would she be up to the task? So far Cyrus didn't seem very demanding.

It was still early. The sun was already up, but the court was quiet. The celebrations had lasted until the early hours of the morning and most of the guests were still asleep. Ariane wondered who would come to dress her. All her clothes were in her chambers. She only had her wedding gown left. Was she supposed to wear that one again?

Ariane sighed. Two more days and they would depart for Tireze. There would be another, smaller, ceremony there for her father and brother. They would stay a few days, discussing politics and other state affairs and then they would return.

Her eyes shifted back to the bed. Would her father approve of him? Their marriage was only an arranged union, but she still hoped her father and her husband would get along.

In the bed, Cyrus stirred and Ariane left the alcove she had been sitting in. He opened his eyes just as she reached the bed.

Ariane lowered her eyes. "Good morning," she greeted softly.

Cyrus groaned and ran a hand across his face. He slowly sat up. "Morning? I need more wine."

Ariane bit her lip and hurried towards the table where she found a decanter. Her hand shook as she nervously poured the liquid in a goblet.

She jumped when she heard his voice at her shoulder. She hadn't noticed him approach her. "You don't have to pour my drinks," he said, "I can do that myself."

Ariane looked up at him hesitantly and instantly turned bright red when she realized he was naked. Quickly she turned her back on him.

Cyrus took the goblet and drank. "No need to looks so shy," he said amused, "we are married after all." His eyes roamed her body, wrapped in nothing but a blanket. He sighed when Ariane stayed motionless, trying to look invisible as if not to bother him. "Have I given you a reason to fear me, Ariane?" he asked. He could feel his annoyance resurface, but he tried to be reasonable. He had promised his grandmother.
Ariane kept her eyes downcast. He barely heard her whispered 'no my lord'.

"Then call me by name," Cyrus said, "and stop acting as if I would hurt you." He finished his wine and turned to gather his tunic.

Ariane bit her lip. "May I ask a question my... Silas?"

Cyrus sighed. "Ask."

Ariane took a deep breath. "I'm not sure what is expected of me. You... You did not sent me back to my chambers. Am I... to stay here? Are there... do you have... tasks for me?"

Cyrus blinked confused. Sent her back? Tasks? What was she talking about? "You are my wife," he said. He might not like it, but it was the truth. "Why would I send you anywhere? And what tasks are you talking about?" It was too early for this. He sighed and rubbed his face. "Do whatever you like," he told her, "go take walks in the garden or make pretty things with needlework or whatever ladies do. Visit my grandmother. Read. You don't need to ask my permission for every little thing."

Ariane looked down. She had not meant to upset him. "Thank you," she said.

Cyrus sighed at her tone of voice. If he had spoken to Vara the way he had to her, she would have slapped him. Ariane was such a brittle little thing. "Would you like some breakfast?" he asked in a tired voice. This was the first time they were actually alone and it was a disaster. He hoped this was not an indication of how the rest of his life was going to be.

Ariane gave a slight nod. "Yes, thank you." She watched him as he walked to the door and instructed a servant outside to bring up food. She was actually hungry. She hadn't been able to eat much during the wedding yesterday.
She sat down in a chair and let out a sigh. Her body was still sore and she had annoyed him again. She would have to try harder pleasing him.

Cyrus returned to the table and studied her. "Perhaps you want to get dressed before the food is brought in?" He doubted she would be comfortable appearing half naked in front of the servants.

Ariane bit her lip and looked at her dress helplessly. She tried to remember how Vara and Ophelia had tied the strings and clasps. It looked rather complicated. Clumsily she draped everything in its place. It didn't looks exactly like it had the day before, but it would do. Perhaps she could ask Vara about the correct way to wear the dress later.

Cyrus watched her struggle and sighed. "I will see to it that you'll have a personal maid. I believe Chloe has tended to you until now?"

Ariane nodded. "Yes, m... Silas."

"Good," Cyrus answered, "I will arrange it." Not to mention having Chloe near would benefit him too.

"Is it... does it look alright like this?" Ariane asked hesitantly. She didn't want to embarrass him by not dressing herself properly.

Cyrus frowned. What did he know about women's clothing? He knew how to undress a woman, which was much simpler than the other way around. "You look fine," he said. It wasn't like they would go anywhere today. The celebrations were still in full order and he was supposed to be consumed by marital bliss. No one would expect them to make an appearance for the next two days. And after that they would leave for Tireze.
So the question was, what should they do to last until then?

A knock on the door announced breakfast and he ordered the servant in. He would worry about the rest of the day later.

***

Vara hurried down the hall. The second day of the celebrations, half of the servants had the day off. The other half would be free the day after. Today was Eudemas' turn.

Eudemas had protested at first, insisting on helping Vara get dressed, but Vara had waved her off with the message that she was perfectly capable of dressing herself and that she was going to have breakfast with Ophelia and Iolaus.

Vara tried hard not to think of Cyrus. Perhaps it would be a good thing that he'd be away for a while. At least she wouldn't have to watch her step so much.

She knocked on the door and the servant girl Althea let her in.

Ophelia was already seated at the table. "Morning."

"Morning,"Vara greeted and she hugged her friend. "Is Iolaus not here yet?"

"I sent someone for him," Ophelia answered.

"Are you certain you don't mind my company?" Vara asked, "it is only two days before he leaves There won't be much time for you to spend with him."

"Vara, you are my fried. And you need me far more than Iolaus right now. Besides, who else would chaperone us?" She grinned. "You know how my brothers can get."

Vara laughed softly. Yes, she knew all too well. She remembered the early days when Ophelia's brothers would threaten and intimidate Iolaus until they were certain he had honorable intentions.

A throat was being cleared. "I hope you are not laughing at my expense."Iolaus stood in the doorway and watched the girls amused.

Vara and Ophelia looked at each other and laughed again.

"Well, that answers that question," Iolaus said dryly. He walked into the room and kissed Ophelia's temple. "Morning love." He sat down at the table with them when a servant placed an array of food in front of them.

"So," Ophelia said, "what is today's entertainment?"

"Games," Vara answered, "the South wing holds gambling tables and there's wrestling in the training grounds."

"Wrestling?" Ophelia mused, "perhaps we should watch." There was a sly smile around her lips.

"I think not," Iolaus said, "I won't have oiled, half naked men anywhere near you."

Ophelia smiled playfully. "Not for me. For Vee." She winked at Vara. "Do you want to look at bare torsos and muscled arms?"

Vara raised an amused eyebrow. "You are not using me as an excuse, are you?"

"Would I ever?" Ophelia asked innocently.

"Yes," came the dry response from both Vara and Iolaus.

Ophelia pouted. "I only wanted to cheer up Vara."

Vara rolled her eyes. "Alright, we will go. The king will expect me to make an appearance anyway. Apparently I have young men to impress."

Iolaus smiled wryly. "Dancing with Felix and Decimus wasn't enough?"

"Of course not," Vara stated dryly, "what if I appear to favor one over another? I might risk insulting someone."

Iolaus sighed. "Try and be nice, Vee. They're not all like Darius Tirzé. Felix Matís is not so bad a man. At least give him a chance."

Ophelia tilted her head curiously. "Darius Tirzé?"

"Ariane's brother," Iolaus explained. He smiled amused when Vara scowled. "Let's just say he was not so charmed by our mischievous friend."

"He's an arrogant, insulting windbag, you mean," Vara hissed.

Ophelia laughed softly. "What did you do to the poor man, Vee?"

"I did nothing," Vara said, "he is the one that insulted me. And the way he speaks to people is infuriating. He may be the heir to the throne of Tireze, that doesn't mean he can act all high and mighty."

"Actually it does," Iolaus said, "and Tireze is different from Zeir. Women there are more... like Ariane."

"It must have been a shock for him to meet you," Ophelia said amused.

"He accused me of adultery," Vara said angrily.

"Let it go, Vara," Iolaus tried to calm her down, "you have already let him know how you feel about him. With some luck you never have to deal with him again."

Vara sighed and stood up. "Let us go outside. I need some fresh air."

...

They hadn't walked far when they ran into a small company of courtiers. Young men and women bowed respectfully at Vara and she nodded in their direction.

"Lady Vara," one of the men called after her and he walked up to her, "forgive my intrusion, but I wish to ask a favor."

"Go ahead," Vara said curiously.

The man smiled. "I was hoping you would do me the honor of accompanying you at the games this afternoon." He bowed. "I am Cicero of the house of Horas."

"Well met," Vara answered politely, "may I ask why you wish to join me?"

"I did not think that would need explaining," Cicero said amused.

"You are very blunt, sir," Vara stated.

He grinned. "I have heard you admire straightforwardness and are no stranger to it yourself."

Vara studied him for a moment and an amused smile formed on her lips that made her two friends wary. "Very well," she told the man, "your request is granted."

He smiled and bowed again. "I will be there to retrieve you." He turned and walked back to his friends who were waiting in anticipation.

Iolaus looked at her startled. "Vara, you cannot be serious. You know full well that something like this will send a message. If the king hears about it... Think, Vara. You can't be so hasty with your promises."

"I didn't promise him anything but company," Vara said slyly, "I never said he would be accompanying me alone."

Ophelia smiled amused and shook her head. "What are you plotting this time?"

Vara smiled innocently. "No plotting. I'm simply extending the invitation to certain third parties. Felix Matís was so eager to display his knowledge of weaponry and Decimus Vertus seemed to like sweating bodies. I'm sure they would be delighted to watch the matches." Her smile widened. "The king did say I have to make our guests feel welcome."

***

Torcan had to admit that Vara knew exactly how to play the game. He shook his head amused as he watched the three young men send each other deadly glares while Vara sat three seats away from them, Iolaus and his fiancée acting as a buffer.
He almost wished she would join them on the journey to Tireze. Such mayham she would cause in his home country.

He caught her gaze and inclined his head at her. Vara smiled and motioned him over.

"Will you not sit with us?" she asked, "you must feel lost now that your charge is no longer your responsibility."

"I would, my lady," he answered, "but I did not want to disrupt your entourage. It seems you already have a party to accompany you."

"I'm sure they have no objections," Vara smiled sweetly.

"Hm," Torcan mused, "they might not agree with you."

"In that case it is still my own choice who I invite to join me." The comment was clearly heard by said party, because there came three grumbles from her left.

Torcan bowed slightly. "How could I refuse such an offer?" He sat down next to her when Vara cleared the seat for him. He leaned towards her. "I hope you do not intend to cause me trouble, my lady. These young men have quite the influence."

"Less than they would like to admit," Vara assured him, "or they wouldn't be vying to get into favor with the king."

"It is still cruel to toy with men's hearts."

Vara shook her head. "I'm not toying with anyone. And it's not my heart they are after. I'm just a pawn in a political game."

"But the king is still leaving the choice with you," Torcan answered, "that is more than some can say." He kept his eyes on the wrestlers in the ring as his thoughts went out to Ariane. He hadn't seen her yet. He wondered if she was alright.

"Cyrus is a good man," Vara said quietly, "I will make sure to remind him of that every now and then."

"I am sorry," Torcan apologized, "I didn't mean to insinuate anything."

Vara shook her head. "I understand that you worry. She is not just your charge, but your friend as well."

A soft smile was on Torcan's lips. "She was the first person to accept me when I was sent to court. Everyone else looked down on me. I knew her before I met Darius. When I was older, I was placed in the guard. Eventually the king assigned me to his son to be his personal guard. He was quite intimidating, even then, but he took pity on me, wasn't as cold as with others, and eventually we became friends."

Vara watched him quietly and wondered who exactly this man was. She had never met anyone like him. He was so selfless.
She bit her lip, debating on something. "Would you... have objections against corresponding with me when you return to Tireze? I do not know if such a thing is acceptable where you are from, but I would very much like to stay in touch."

Torcan blinked surprised. He had not expected anything like this. He considered it a moment. The offer seemed genuine and he had taken a liking to the reckless girl. His intuition had always been good when it came to people and it told him she was someone he could trust. Yes, he wouldn't mind keeping in touch either.

He inclined his head. "There are no objections. You are still the king's daughter. I do not think anyone would think anything of it considering the situation. I would have to inform Darius of course."

"Of course." The smile on Vara's lips was half amused and half wry.

Torcan flinched slightly when he realized how his words must have come across. "I did not mean..." he cleared his throat and offered an apologetic smile. "I would very much like to stay in touch as well."

Her smile was warmer now. "It is a promise then."

A few seats to her left, a throat was being cleared. "Lady Vara," Felix spoke wryly, "if you wish to speak with our honored Tireze guest, then perhaps we should conclude this outing and reschedule some other time? I will remain at court with my family for quite some time. You won't have to concern yourself with dividing your attention then."

Vara turned to him and smiled pleasantly. "Lord Felix, you are already leaving us? I had planned for some game of latrunculi later with food and wine. I don't think our guest has had the opportunity to learn the game yet." She glanced at Torcan who inclined his head.

"I have not."

Felix' expression became thoughtful and she noticed Cicero had taken an interest too. "Very well," the former nodded, "I hear you are quite the player, my lady. It would be interesting to see these skills for myself. I have to warn you, I rarely lose a game."

"How convenient," Vara smiled, "neither do I."

It was hard to miss the double meaning behind the challenge.

Iolaus eyed her warily. He wasn't sure what Vara was scheming, but these were sons of influential families. "Please behave, Vara," he muttered so only she could hear.

She smiled innocently at him. "You will join us too of course, Iolaus? I haven't seen Ophelia in a while and I'm sure she would like to play as well."

"Oh, I will come," Ophelia smiled amused. She knew Vara well enough to know her friend was planning something again. She was curious to see how things would turn out and it would be best if someone was there to make certain it would not get out of hand.

Iolaus raised his eyes to the sky and sighed. What had he done to deserve such a fate? The king would have his head if his would end in a brawl between the sons of his high lords. "I will come," he said reluctant.

***

Cicero Horas smiled amused when he watched Vara win another round of latrunculi, the strategic game where one had to capture the opponent's piece between two of your own. He was slightly intrigued by the way she had outsmarted him when he tried to trick her into spending the day together.

Although his plan had backfired, he was not disappointed. It only made things more interesting.

"I am impressed, my lady," he said, "you play the game well. If you had been a man, you would have made a good general."

Vara smiled amused. "If I had been a man, we would not have been sitting here playing this game."

"Perhaps so," he mused, "how about upping the stakes then?

"What do you have in mind?" Vara asked curiously.

Cicero laughed softly. "Nothing unreasonable. Merely a chance. If I win the next round, you will allow me to see you again, without third parties present this time." He let out a wry smile.

"You are very bold, sir," Vara answered haughtily. She was well aware of the looks the others were sending her way. They had been rotating between opponents throughout the afternoon. Cicero was by far the best player.

Cicero smirked. "You have already paid me back, my lady. I will consider my lesson learned. I will not put you on the spot like that again."

"Hm," Vara mused, "somehow I doubt that."

"Do you question my honor, my lady?"

"No," Vara answered, "merely your intentions."

Seriousness settled on Cicero's face. "Do you always judge people before giving them a chance, my lady?"

"Considering the suddenness of the attention I am receiving since yesterday, I have to be cautious," Vara answered evenly, "I cannot afford to let my guard down."

Cicero shrugged casually. "Then don't let your guard down."

"It is different for a man," Vara said. In some ways Zeir was not so different from Tireze. Men did not have much to lose, but her reputation was all she had.

"You need not fear, lady Vara. I will not compromise you. I am not even asking for your hand in marriage yet. I only ask for the opportunity to present myself. Besides..." he smirked mischievously, "I might not even win."

"Hm," Vara mused skeptically, "somehow I have the feeling you've been holding back in our previous games."

His smirk grew more devious. "Afraid of a little gamble?"

Vara smiled. "I never back away from a challenge."