What would've happened if Kyrian had never fallen in love with Theone? What would've happened if he never got captured, tortured, and killed?  What if Kiara had confronted him when she caught him cheating on her?  I was reading my story "Royal Pains" last night and became inspired by the flashbacks to write a story of 'what would've happened' because I love Kyrian and Kiara together.  Just a few rules while reading this story:

First, if you like it, REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!  THEY MAKE ME VERY HAPPY

Second, if you like it but have constructive criticism (and not destructive), please let me know!

Third, if you hate the story: Leave.  Just go.  No flames.  This is not meant to be totally historically accurate.  Go find something better to do with your time.  Go find a story you'll actually enjoy. 

That's all :) Enjoy!

Chapter Quote:

"Spoils to the victor."
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Chapter 1

Kyrian 

"Come now, Julian, give me some competition here!" I jested, laughing as I jumped away from my friend's swipe.  The sword missed me by a landslide.

"Enough, enough," Julian said, backing away. "I'm starved.  Once I eat, I shall be better."

"Weak," I teased.  He punched me in the arm.  The two of us took off our armor and changed into more comfortable attire before heading into the palace.  When we arrived, my father sat at the end of the table, conversing with someone I did not recognize.  He was not Thracian- that much I could tell.  He had dark curly hair and dark blue eyes.

"Hello Father," I greeted, bowing.  Our father-son relationship had been strained for many years, ever since Queen Tysiphone, my mother, had died.  My father had turned very authoritarian on me, making it where it was either his way or the highway.  This caused conflict because while I inherited my mother's looks- blonde hair, green eyes- I'd also inherited my father's stubbornness.  The two of us clashed often in our beliefs.

"Ah, Kyrian, I'm glad you're here.  I'd like you to meet Agathon.  He has come here on diplomatic business from Athens."

"What do the Greeks want?" I asked, sitting down.  The Thracians and the Greeks were in a shaky alliance with each other; we were cordial with each other, but nothing more or less.  I wanted to end the alliance, but with the wealth and power the Greeks possessed, I knew it was foolish to do so.

"The King and Queen have made an offer to strengthen our alliance.  Something I do see would be very beneficial for both kingdoms," my father responded.  I glanced over at Julian who had seated opposite me next to the guest.  He looked just as clueless as I felt.

"May I ask what this offer is?"

"The King and Queen have offered their daughter's hand in marriage as part of their mission to create a stronger alliance.  I can't help but agree with them.  From what I've heard, their daughter is very beautiful."

"Are you mad?" I demanded, standing up. "I thought you and I agreed that I could marry any girl of my choosing?  Not yours."

"Kyrian, enough.  You are being disrespectful to our guest," King Alkis warned, glaring at me.

I barely restrained from baring my teeth at my father, but politely, I turned to Agathon and said, "Pardon me sir, I mean no disrespect to you or your leaders.  I'm just astonished that my father would go against his promise."

"I understand, young prince," Agathon said, bowing his head respectfully.

"What in the gods' name did I promise you?" Alkis inquired furiously, his face reddening.

"That I could marry a girl I loved, not one you forced upon me," I repeated, becoming irked he'd already forgotten I'd said this.

"Kyrian, it is your duty to protect this kingdom.  If that means marrying Kiara of Athens, then you will."

"Is that what you did with Mother?" I snapped. "Did you marry her out of duty?"

"How dare you bring that up-" my father began, but I wasn't listening.  I stormed out of the dining hall and outside to the training area.  Putting my armor on, I gruffly grabbed my sword and began taking my frustrations out on the dummy in front of me.  I don't know how long I kept going at it until someone cleared their throat.  It was Julian.  I nodded at him to acknowledge his presence before going back to the dummy.

"You know your Father won't let you say no to this," Julian remarked, leaning against a wall.

I stabbed at my target. "Yes, I know."

"So why argue?"

"Just making him feel how I did." I stopped and looked at my best friend. "Do you know who she is?"

"I know of her, although I've never met her."

"What have you heard of her?"

"According to my sources, Princess Kiara is very beautiful, very kind, rather intelligent, and fiercely loyal.  I have a feeling she's not going to be too happy about the arrangement either.  Also, her brother is to rule over Athens.  I've heard he's pretty hot-headed.  His wife has calmed him down though."

"Your Highness!" a voice called out.  Kyrian turned around.

"Hello, Agathon."

The man bowed before saying, "King Alkis has sent me to give you word of his decision."

"I already know what his decision is.  It's not hard to guess."

"Very well.  I head back to Athens tomorrow to announce to my King and Queen that you have accepted their daughter's hand in marriage to strengthen the alliance between Thrace and Greece.  You have my gratitude."

"You're welcome," Kyrian said.  Agathon disappeared and the prince of Thrace turned to Julian. "Brother, I think you and I are going to have a lot of conquests in our future."
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Kiara 

"Where do you think Agathon went?" I queried as I walked with my handmaiden, Penthea, through the gardens.  The man we were discussing, Agathon, was a man I'd been fancying most of my years.  He was tall, had curly dark hair, dark blue eyes, and had always been extremely kind to me.  He was ten years my senior, but that was no matter to me.  The man appeared as if he had not aged since he was seventeen.

"I heard your parents sent him with a message to Thrace," Penthea replied.

"What message could they possibly be sending there?"

"Kiara!" Elysia shouted.  I turned around to face my brother's wife.  Her brown hair was blowing in the wind as she raced towards me.  I was close with her; she was one of the few people besides my mother who could calm my brother down when he had his fits of rage.  "I'm so happy for you!  I just heard the news!"

"What news?" I asked, taking her hands in mine.

Elysia's excitement changed into confusion. "You don't know?"

"Know what?  What are you congratulating me for?"

"Good afternoon, Princess Kiara," Agathon greeted, bowing.  My heart soared at the sight of him.

"Good afternoon," I replied, flashing him a smile. "Pardon my asking, but where have you been the past few weeks?"

At this, his smile faltered. "I was sent to give word to King Alkis of Thrace."

"What word would this be?" I asked, watching him curiously.  When he didn't reply immediately, I ordered, "Agathon, tell me now: what did my parents send you to tell King Alkis?"

He shuffled uncomfortably on his feet. "In order to strengthen the alliance between Greece and Thrace, they have offered your hand in marriage to the King's son, Prince Kyrian."

It was as if my heart dropped into my stomach.  Sounds disappeared, I couldn't think straight, I couldn't move.  My parents would never... how could they... I was getting married?  Anger erupted throughout my entire body and I stormed away from my group, heading to where my parents were.  I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn't turn around; I knew who was there.  I entered the throne room where my parents were talking with my brother.  When they saw me, their faces were lit with exhilaration.  Mine, on the other hand, was not.

"Congratulations little-" my brother began but I cut him off by holding up my hand.  Barely containing my rage, I demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"

"You should be thrilled, darling!" my mother exclaimed, coming down.  When she tried to hold my hands, I pulled them back.  Her face fell. "We thought you'd be excited..."

"Excited that you're telling me who to marry?  I don't want to marry Kyrian.  I'm in love with someone else, mother.  We've discussed this many times.  You approved of it all."

"Who are you in love with?  What man could possibly compete with Kyrian of Thrace?" my father laughed.  I became even more irate; he was mocking my pain.

"Dear, it would never work between you and Agathon," my mother consoled.

My mouth fell open. "Mother!"

"You're in love with Agathon?!" my father boomed.

I backed away from my family, embarrassment burning on my face. "I will not marry Kyrian.  I will not."

With that said, I bolted out of the room.  I knew this palace better than anyone thanks to my late night escapades of walking through it.  Therefore I knew the secret passages to get to the stables the fastest.  When I got there, I commanded my horse be saddled as fast as possible.  Thankfully, the stable boy listened.  Within a few minutes, my sorrel horse Arsen was ready.  I hopped onto his back and urged him to go.  Just as I was leaving, Agathon came into view.  The horror of just a few minutes ago tore through me.  Hastily looking away, I made Arsen gallop off as fast as he could to get me away from the palace, to get away from my embarrassment, to get away from my future.

I could do it.  I could run away.  I had had Agathon teach me the layout of the lands both near and far; I had him teach me the most popular languages; I had him teach me which sea and land routes led where; I had him teach me how to fight with a sword, a dagger, and a bow and arrow; I knew how hard I could run my horse without him dying on me from exhaustion; I knew what towns I could stop in.

I could do it.

"I know what you're thinking," a voice said from behind me.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned, refusing to look at the man I'd been in love with for years in fear that I'd start crying.

"I came to check on you.  You're still Princess of Athens, you still need protection.  I know you do not wish to speak to me after what just transpired but, I must ask: is it true?"

"Is what true?" I lied, knowing exactly what he was referring to.

"Do you love me?"

I bit my lip. "Were my red cheeks and hasty departure after my mother and father's statement not enough of an answer for you?"

"I shall take that as a yes." Agathon shifted his horse closer to mine so that he was right next to me. "Your highness, would you please look at me?"  When I continued looking away, he sighed. "If I thought I could rule this kingdom with you as an effective king, I would marry you in a heartbeat.  I will not hide it any longer in saying I've been in love with you too for quite a few years now.  But our lives lead different paths.  You are a princess; I am a commoner.  You need someone who can take care of you in a way that I can't.  I understand you're angry with your parents for doing this without your consent, but trust me when I say you are not the only one shocked by this announcement."

At this, I turned my head. "What do you mean?"

"Prince Kyrian is just as upset with the arrangement as you are.  Like you, he wants to marry someone he loves.  Considering you two have no choice in the matter anymore, perhaps you two can bond over your annoyance with your parents," Agathon joked.

I smiled. "I will admit, I'm glad to know he's given the same reaction I gave... what is he like?"

"Strong, blonde, tall, a fierce warrior, and very stubborn.  He and his father clash often.  However, I do believe once the initial awkwardness has passed between the two of you, you will come to at least tolerate each other.  I believe you two are very similar."

"I hope you are right, Agathon."
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Hope you enjoyed the first chapter!  Let me know what you think- y'all know the rules (as stated in the opening author's note) :)