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Chapter Quote:
"Most good judgment comes from experience. Most experience comes from bad judgment."
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Chapter 4

Kyrian

I sat in silence while Julian and I led our troops towards our destination. Many men were jesting, cracking jokes. Typically I joined in on the fun. But not today. My parting from Kiara had left me deep in thought. She was much more strong-willed, much more independent than I believe anyone realized. I remembered Agathon asking her if I knew how spirited she was, but I wondered if he knew the full extent as well.

Julian must've picked up on my silence. He trotted his horse alongside mine and asked what was wrong. No one was listening in on our conversation so I told him everything. He was my biggest confidante. Depending on how close Kiara and I became later on, she could possibly become one too, but not yet. My friend's face set itself into a grim expression. "Trust her, Kyrian, but do not trust him. Be watchful of him when we get back. Women have started wars. A girl like her, Agathon may just try to win her over."

"That would be done through a public duel. Winner becomes her husband. Kiara would never let him challenge me, or let me challenge him."

"Could she convince him not to do so? Why did you tell her that she and Agathon could become lovers?"

"I told you. Because I thought that maybe it'd... make the marriage easier for her," I muttered, now realizing how foolish I sounded.

"Kyrian, if Agathon gets word of that, he could very try to get his way with her, whether she approves of it or not."

"Are you trying to make me more worried than I already am about her?" I demanded.

Julian gave me a curious look. "You're falling in love with her. What on earth did she say to you to warrant such a change of heart?"

"That's just it. She's hardly said anything to me. But after that talk in the stables, I think we're more on the same page. We're relating more than I thought we would."

"How'd she take saying goodbye?"

"That's just it, she didn't really say goodbye."

"What did she say?"

"'Just come back to me.'"

"Looks like you're not the only one getting attached."

"I doubt it's from attachment. It's from duty of being faithful. And I'm not getting attached to her," I protested. It was a lie though. I'd been attached to Kiara from the day we had dinner together, when she'd made fun of Macaire's boasting.

"Why are you so afraid of loving her?" My friend questioned. I remained silent, not wanting to voice my reason. But apparently, my silence gave him his answer. In a quiet voice, he said, "Kiara is not your mother. What happened to your mother will not happen to Kiara."

I shook my head. "You don't know that. Enough of this talk. Let's go find us some Romans."
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Kiara

It was taking every ounce of self-control I possessed not to strangle Alcina, my mentor for how to become a 'proper Thracian princess.' She was not kind, she was not instructive. She was rude and critical of every little thing I did. Had one strand of hair in my face? Sloppy. Forgot to fold my hands in my lap? I was born in a barn. Accidentally tripped over my too long of a dress she made for me? Clumsy. I disagreed with her on a topic? Disgraceful. Nothing I said or did could win her approval. It irked me to no end, but for some reason, I felt like she wanted this reaction from me. Instead, whenever she criticized me, I'd nod and apologize. I could keep up the act around her and my parents and Kyrian's father, but once alone in my room, I'd curl up in my bed and wish I was back home. I'd wish I was riding Arsen on the beach, the ocean water spraying onto my face. I'd wish I was able to read the scrolls from my father's library, study the maps in his study.

But no.

This was not my home. This was a foreign place to me that I was going to be forced to call home. And that thought made me sit up and reevaluate what I could do. I could mope and be depressed about this situation, or I could make the most of being here, learn my way around the palace, find good private spots I could use to escape Alcina's watchful glare. The former was not an option; that was not me.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get away from Alcina now. She was teaching me how to eat like a princess, like I didn't know already. Obviously my manners hadn't offended anyone at the past dinners since no one had complained on me, but apparently, I was doing everything wrong.

"Mother, we've been out this for hours. Perhaps her highness is exhausted?" Dorothea suggested. She was Alcina's very sweet daughter. Perhaps she had her father's temperament because she certainly didn't have her mother's.

"Princesses never stop. She should know that. Now be quiet," Alcina ordered. I sent Dorothea a grateful glance, one she returned. I listened to my mentor drone on about proper etiquette, counting down until Agathon would come rescue me to bring me to lunch. Just the thought of food made my mouth water.

Knocking brought me out of my thoughts. Alcina opened the door. Agathon stood there, smile on his face. "I'm here to bring her highness to lunch."

"Has that much time passed already?" She mused in annoyance. "Very well. Princess, you are dismissed. I will see you tomorrow."

"I look forward to it, my lady," I said, curtsying. That was a total lie, but it was the proper response. I had to remain proper. I looped my arm through Agathon's and he led me to the dining hall.

"How are you lessons?" he asked.

"Painful. Alcina is evil. I swear she despises me. I can't wait until Kyrian gets back so I can use the excuse that I must get to know him in order to get out of my lessons."

He grimaced. "You might get that chance sooner than you think."

"What do you mean? It's been three weeks; I was told Kyrian wouldn't be back for one more."

"You were told wrong," my fiancé said, stepping from the dining hall into the hallway. I pulled my arm from Agathon's and gave Kyrian a hug. I felt his arms go around me. When I pulled away, I smiled and said, "You came back."

"I said I would," he replied, kissing my hand. Turning to Agathon, he added, "Sir, thank you for escorting her down, but I will take it from here. Our meal is not in the dining hall."

Agathon bowed stiffly. I knew he didn't like the affection Kyrian and I were showing each other, but I didn't care. I was just glad my fiancé was back. It was good to see him again. Once my friend was gone, I asked, "Did you beat the Romans?"

"None are left," he declared. "That should send a clear message to Valerius that we are the last kingdom he should challenge. But those are matters that can be discussed later. Come, our lunch awaits us." Kyrian took my hand gently in his and led me to the gardens. The sun was bright out, but there was a light breeze that took away the brunt of the heat. He brought me under the shade of a Valonia Oak tree where a blanket was spread out, and an assortment of fish and fruit on dishes arranged neatly in the center. "I thought we could have lunch, just the two of us. Away from our parents so we could both avoid being embarrassed."

I laughed. "Because we both know that would happen."

The two of us sat down. Kyrian and I dug in. Between mouthfuls, he asked, "How were you while I was gone?"

Not wanting to tell him just how difficult I was finding it, I lied, "I've been very well. Although I must say, I am looking forward to spending more time with you rather than Alcina. How are you?"

"I'm glad to be home. I don't think I've ever said that before."

"Why not?"

"I never had something to look forward to. Now I do."

A blush crept onto my cheeks. Kyrian certainly knew how to make a girl feel special. However, I wondered where it came from. Alcina had been sure to mention his... excursions with other women. While she never went into detail, I still wondered. I dared not ask him though. It might make him think I was impertinent. I also didn't know him well enough to warrant such a question.

The two of us chatted amiably for a couple hours, swapping childhood stories. His mostly consisted of him and Julian causing trouble for King Alkis. I noticed that he never said anything about his mother. The curiosity about why was bugging me, but I chose to ask Julian or Zelina. Maybe one of them would tell me.

"There you are!" Someone declared. I groaned inadvertently at the sound of Alcina. Kyrian struggled not to laugh at my reaction. "I've been looking all over for you."

"I've been here the entire time," said.

"Have you two been unaccompanied this entire time?" She demanded.

"There's guards around, Alcina. You need not worry," Kyrian consoled.

"Their backs are turned. The gods know what you two could've gotten away with. Princess Kiara, you have a fitting. Your wedding may not be for another couple months but there is much to prepare. Come."

"I shall walk back with you two. It is on the way to my room and let us face it, I need to change." Kyrian helped me up, not giving Alcina the chance to argue. Her disapproval was plain on her face but if my fiancé noticed, he said nothing about it. The three of us walked back to inside the palace. It only took a few seconds to arrive at the room where my fitting was. Kyrian kissed me on the forehead before leaving. I smiled as I followed Alcina into the room.

"Now I understand why he accepted to have you as his wife. You're a beautiful thing to be on his arm," she remarked. Fury boiled in my veins. I was no 'thing.' However, knowing her, she probably wanted to elicit a reaction from me. I wasn't going to give her one. Instead, I said, "Having me be alone with Kyrian, who are you more worried about misbehaving. Me or him?"

"This may come as a shock to you, but I worry about him more often. You at least have strong self-control. He on the other hand has had quite a few excursions with women. Do not let me catch the two of you unattended again or I will bring up the matter with the king."

After that, I remained silent, only answering questions if it was absolutely necessary. My mind was focused on what Alcina had said, about me being a trophy wife and Kyrian's endeavors with other women. Exactly how many women had he been with before me? It's not that it was looked down upon for men to do so, just women because that was our society, but would he remain faithful to me after our marriage?

It took well over five hours to get the correct measurements for the dress, choose the fabrics, the color, and the design. I was itching to get out of there. Alcina allowed me to go when she got tired of my fidgeting. I walked briskly to my room, wanting to be alone.
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Kyrian

My fiancée's demeanor had completely changed since I'd last seen her. At lunch, she'd been smiling and laughing. Now, at dinner, she remained silent, her eyes kept down on her food. I began to wonder what warranted such a change in attitude. An attempt to ask her after dinner was foiled by my father who wished to speak with me about some trivial matters that seemed very unimportant to me, or I at least wondered why he wanted my opinion on them when he could easily just figure it out himself.

Once my father was done talking, I made my way towards Kiara's room, figuring that was the first place she'd go. There or the stables. I knocked softly on her door. When she didn't answer, I knocked again, saying, "Kiara? It's me. Kyrian."

If it hadn't been for the slightest of shuffling from within her room, I very well may have left. Hesitantly, I opened the door, not wanting to intrude in case she was unclothed. That would make the most wonderful impression (take note of my sarcasm). Looking around, Kiara wasn't in her main bedchamber, but I saw the light blue fabric of her dress out on the balcony. I walked over to her. She was sitting on the balustrade; her legs were drawn up to her chest, arms locked around them, and her chin resting on her knees. She wore a troubled expression, and the way she kept fiddling her thumbs and how she was biting her lip only supported the obvious. Not knowing if she knew I was there, I got ready to clear my throat but she caught me off. "I know you are there. I just didn't feel like talking."

I hopped onto the balustrade myself, facing her. She still didn't look at me. I said, "I happened to hear you in here or else I would have left."

"I knew I should not have moved, but if I had not, I would have fallen over the balcony." Kiara glanced down with distaste over the balcony, adding, "That would really be quite painful if I fell."

"Why are you out here?" I asked gently. "I know it is the warm season, but it's still a chilly night."

She shrugged. "I came out here to think. I think best outside and when it's night. Day is too busy and loud to think clearly."

"What's on your mind?" I prodded, moving over so I could sit directly in front of her.

"I am only sixteen Kyrian. I know I am of marrying age but I always thought I would rule over Athens, not another country," She replied, her tone slightly bitter.

"I understand," I consoled.

"No, you don't," she declared, her eyes finally meeting mine. "You do not have to leave the only place you have ever known to rule a place you are a complete stranger to."

Kiara got up and glided angrily into her room, hands clenched into fists. I followed her but kept my distance. Something told me she did not want me to be near her at the moment. However, I did ask her, "Why do I get the feeling leaving your home is not the only reason you want to leave here?"

"Why do you think that?" She countered a little too quickly.

"I have been trained to read emotions, no matter how well they are hidden. While you have been doing a phenomenal job, I can still see something is bothering you. I want to know so I can help," I told her softly and sincerely.

Kiara regarded me for moment, probably deciding whether or not she could believe me before demanding lightly, "And why should I trust you?"

"I want to get to know you. I do not just want to know Princess Kiara. I want to know the Kiara. I want to know what you are truly like. I want to get to know my future wife."

Harrumphing as she walked over to her dresser, she muttered, "I do not think that it was Alcina wants."

"What?" My brow furrowed, wondering what her mentor had been doing that had caused my fiancée to be this down. Whatever it was, I didn't like it. "What is Alcina doing?"

"Nothing. Forget I said anything."

I walked over to her, placing my hands gently on her arms. "No, I'm not going to forget. I want to know what she is saying or doing to upset you."

There was a desperation in her eyes, one that said she wanted to tell me what was going on. But there was also determination, one that did not want to show weakness to me, one that did not want to give Alcina the satisfaction of knowing she'd gotten underneath Kiara's skin. "No, I do not want to get her in trouble. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive," the princess said, shaking her head. She pulled back from me so she could sit on her bed. I knelt in front of her, lifting her chin with my finger so I could look her in the eye.

"Kiara, I cannot begin to understand how difficult this must be for you, being away from the only place you have ever known, knowing no one and being forced to marry someone that is a complete stranger to you. I can understand that last one I said but that's not my point. My point is that I want you to know I am always here for you. I do not want you to be unhappy. Please. Tell me what happened. Alcina is supposed to be helping you learn your way around the place and what your roles will be here. Is she doing something wrong?"

Her eyes averted away from mine. "She has been here longer than I have. I do not want her to lose her occupation because of a princess who could not handle her words."

"Are you always this obstinate?" I asked in exasperation, giving her an amused gaze.

She looked back at me, a smile tugging on her lips. "Yes. It drives my parents mad, but it is who I am. I tend to trust people only after I've gotten to know them."

"Well let me tell you about me. I am Prince Kyrian of Thrace; I am twenty years old. I am a general along with my best friend Julian and we are feared by all that cross our paths. I am just as stubborn as you which I do want you to know that I idolize you for your obstinacy. I am easily amused and I like when people speak their mind because it gives me something to think about, whether I agree or not. I also love long walks in the garden in the moonlight."

She let out a laugh. "Do you always do this when you want someone to tell you something?"

"No," I admitted. "I only tell people that last one when I feel I can trust them."

"You trust me?" She queried doubtfully.

"Yes, I do. And I'm not saying that just to get you to tell me what is wrong. I can tell I can trust you. You... you give off that aura. Now do not get me wrong, I desperately want to know what Alcina did so I can help you but if you do not want to tell me now, I shall wait."

"Do you always get what you want?"

"All but once," I said with a smile.

"When was that?"

"Right now."

Silence ensued for a few moments. With a grim expression, Kiara finally explained. "Alcina told me the only reason I was chosen to be your wife is because I am a beautiful thing and will look good on your arm. She called me a thing," Kiara ranted. Suddenly she turned shy and added, "She, uh, also explained about your excursions..."

"Excursions?"

"With women..."

I was flabbergasted. "That's preposterous! I admit I have had a few flings here and there but nothing the gods would disapprove of but I swear on my life that I have been and always will be faithful to you."

"I believe you."

"I will say Alcina had two things right."

Kiara's eyes shot daggers at me and I hastily informed her of my reasoning before she killed me on the spot. "What I mean is you are beautiful, there is no doubt about that. And yes, you will look wonderfully on my arm, but you are no thing and never will be one. You are Princess Kiara and you are a person, a powerful one at that. We will rule this country together. I must tell you the reason Alcina probably said what she did is because she has always wanted her daughter to be my wife."

"Why did you not take her daughter's hand?"

"Because she is merely a friend to me, nothing else. I have never considered her anything but a friend. I must be going because it is not good for me to be with you this long unattended, but I want you to know something will change."

"Please do not tell Alcina I told you what occurred between her and me; do not fire her either. I do not want her to have another reason to despise me," Kiara whispered.

"I will do as you wish. Good night, Kiara. Worry not, my dear, about Alcina. I will handle everything. Now, get a good night's rest. Sweet dreams." I kissed her on the forehead. I started walking to the door, but she called out my name, halting me. I turned around. Kiara walked up to me and kissed me on the cheek. "Thank you, Kyrian."

"Of course, prinkípissa mou."
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