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Chapter Quote:
"I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert."
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Chapter 7

Julian

I caught up to the three girls after talking with Kyrian.  Kiara had her arms wrapped around her stomach, shoulders hunched up, flinching every time one of the other girls tried to touch her.  I quietly escorted them back to her room.

"Your highness, let's get you out of those clothes.  They're all bloody," Zelina said gingerly.

"Go.  I can do this myself.  Just... go.  Please," Kiara said in a low, firm tone.  Her servant hesitated but conceded, curtsying and exiting out the door.  I told her that if she needed anything, I would be right outside her door.  She only nodded.  I stood at attention outside her door, listening for any sound of an intruder.  Nothing came from her room.  When a good four hours had passed without so much as a shuffle, I poked my head in to make sure she was still there.  Kiara was curled up in ball, covers pulled up tight to her chest.  Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow.  She was asleep.  Shutting the door, I resumed position until the Grecian queen and her daughter-in-law, Elysia, came up to me.

"How is she?" The queen asked.

"Asleep, your majesty," I responded.

She nodded. "We will go in without making a sound then."
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Kyrian

"My daughter was nearly murdered!" King Nikolos shouted.  He, Prince Taren, my father, and I were all standing up around the table in the dining hall. "I am to marry her to your son but how I can I leave her here after what just happened?  Are your guards that incompetent?!  I never should have arranged this marriage.  I should've found another way to improve our relations with your country other than subjecting my daughter to a marriage she didn't want to go through with in the first place!"

A cold feeling settled into my heart.  King Nikolos had been right.  Kiara hadn't wanted this marriage, just as much as I hadn't, if not more.  If Kiara got word that her father was fighting to end this marriage, she would persuade him to continue in his endeavor.  Then I would lose the one girl I loved.  I had met many women before, but none that enraptured me as much as her, none that I related to as much as her, none that I got along with as well as her, and not necessarily in that order.  I wanted to fight this.  I wanted to fight to keep her.  But if she didn't want to be here, I wasn't going to keep her here.

But you love her. My mind whispered at me. Fight for her.  You fell in love with her.  Maybe it's possible for her to fall in love with you.

"If this decision involves our marriage, then she deserves to have a say in this debate as well," I interrupted.

"She is a woman," Prince Taren countered.

"And that makes a difference how?" I demanded. "This is her decision as much as ours.  I'm still willing to go through with this wedding, and if she's willing as well then we should still do this.  Unless you can come up with better alternative solutions to strengthen our ties with you.  We have been at this for four hours.  It is hot, we are stressed, we are tired, and I think it best we conclude the meeting for today and resume it tomorrow."

Prince Taren looked ready to argue but King Nikolos gave me inquisitive look before agreeing with me. "Wise words, Prince Kyrian.  We will continue this discussion tomorrow.  In the meantime, I am going to go see my daughter." He bowed to me and my father before sweeping out of the room, his son following in suit.  I sat in the chair behind me, rubbing my forehead.

"Why are you suddenly so willing to go through with this marriage?  I am not the only one who noticed.  It may have slipped past Taren but not Alkis.  He saw the change as well."  My father's face grew grave. "What have you two done?"

"Where has this unflattering reputation of mine with women come from?  No, father, we haven't done anything.  In fact we haven't spoken to each other the past few days.  I'm going to speak with Julian."

"You're in love with her."

"So what if I am?  If she doesn't want to go through with this, in the state her father's in, she'll be able to convince him to cancel everything.  I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast." I left, going straight to Kiara's room.  Julian stood there, his eyes snapping over to me, alert and ready in case I was an assassin.  He visibly relaxed when he saw it was me.

"What's the verdict?  The king and prince came up here just few minutes ago.  They looked angry.  At least Taren did.  Nikolos seemed... perplexed," Julian whispered to prevent us from being overheard.

I ran my hand through my hair. "It's all gone to hell.  Her father wants to end the marriage arrangement right now, her brother too.  I'm already on thin ice with her and if she finds out there's a way for her to get out of this marriage, I fear she'll take it and persuade her father to make it happen and I don't want to lose her, Julian, but I'm not going to force her to stay here.  Besides, then she could be with Agathon without having to worry about being faithful to me."

"Pretty sure she doesn't want Agathon."

"Why would that be?"

"Would she punch a man she loves?"

"She punched Agathon?" I demanded incredulously. "Why?"

"Don't know; she didn't elaborate, but that's how she hurt the knuckles on her left hand."

"And on her right?"

"She punched a marble column."

"Why did she do that?" I asked exasperatedly.

"She didn't elaborate," he repeated.

I groaned. "Why don't you go home?  I'll take up watch."

"Kyrian, you are exhausted.  I'm fine.  Go to sleep."

"I can't sleep.  Looks like we're sharing the shift together." My friend shook his head at my obstinacy but said nothing.  I was grateful.  I didn't want to argue with anyone at the moment, not even a little one with Julian.  I was afraid I'd lose my temper again, and remembering what happened between me and Kiara when I did, I wanted to avoid that at all costs.
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Kiara

I woke up for the fifth time in a cold sweat.  Images of Penthea dying in my arms haunted me every time I closed my eyes, every time I dreamed.  I ran my hands through my hair, forcing my most recent nightmare of my mind.  Easier said than done.  Sun shone through my curtains, causing me to wonder what time of day it was.  Rolling out of bed, I walked to the door.  When I poked my head out, my head connected with the back of a guard.  He jumped, unsheathing his sword.

"Kiara?"

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods it's you Julian.  What are you doing out here?  Weren't you here last night?"

"Yes, but Kyrian forced me to go home.  You just missed him by the way."

"He was here?" I replied bewilderedly.

"All night, guarding.  Found him pacing this morning.  Whether that's because of worrying about you, trying to keep himself awake, or thinking about what's going to happen during his next meeting with your father and brother, I couldn't tell you."

"Why is he having you guard me though?  I thought you'd be with Penelope!" I exclaimed.

"Why?" he queried curiously.

"Because she- oh, she hasn't told you yet has she?"

"Told me what?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing bad.  Call for Zelina and tell her to bring Penelope here.  I fear without my urging she won't tell you for some time.  I shall get dressed in the meantime.  While I have no problem staying in my sleep wear, it wouldn't be proper to do so."

I could tell Julian was actually worried about his wife had to tell him.  I quickly switched into one of my favorite dresses- a pale blue one with beads embroidered on the top.  It was simple, but suited me nicely.  I'd finished not a moment too soon because there was a polite knocking on my door.  Telling them they could enter, Penelope and Julian came into my room.

"Are you sure Kiara?  I mean after everything that's just happened-" Penelope began.

"Yes, of course I'm sure!" I insisted, taking their hands and leading them to the sitting area in my room. "We are mourning a life, yes, but that does not mean we cannot celebrate a new one."

"What are you two talking about?" Julian questioned hesitantly.

His wife blushed. "Um, I've been meaning to tell you for the past few weeks but you just seemed so stressed whenever you came home and then I'd plan on telling you when I woke up in the morning but you were already gone and then I'd tell myself I'd tell you when you got home at night but then I always fell asleep and-"

"Penelope, love, just tell me!" Julian laughed.

"I'm pregnant," she blurted.  Her husband's mouth dropped open.

"You're-you're pregnant?  I'm going to be a father?" Penelope nodded.  He beamed, swinging her around. "That's wonderful!  This is amazing news!  Gods I love you!"

I bowed my head to give the two of them a small amount of privacy as he kissed her, only straightening up when Julian put his hand on my shoulder.

"We must celebrate, before I leave.  I will call for a small party.  You, Kyrian, a few generals, a few of your friends Penelope, whichever you want, our servants- we will have a feast and wine.  Our first official invitation: Princess Kiara, do accept?" Julian bowed with his hand thrust out.

"I would love to," I agreed.

"When Kyrian is done with his meeting with your father and brother, I shall go to him and-"

"Wait, weren't they speaking yesterday as well?" I questioned seriously.

Julian looked like a thief who'd been caught. "Yes..."

"What are the speaking about?" I demanded.  After a careful thought, I said, "Correction: what are my father and brother threatening?" He didn't respond. "Julian!"

"I can't tell you!  Kyrian made me promise not to say anything until he got it figured out.  In his defense, he's been trying to get you into the meeting to help the decision but your father and brother are refusing."

"What could be taking this- oh gods... they're trying to cancel the wedding, aren't they?  No, no, no!" I gathered my dress so I could run faster.  I darted out of my room, Julian and Penelope on my heels.

"Okay, two questions.  First, how did you even figure that out?" Julian asked, running alongside me.

"So I was right!" I declared victoriously.

"You didn't know?!"

"Seemed like what my father and brother would threaten.  What's your second question?"

"What exactly are you planning on doing?"

"If my father and brother won't include me, then I will include myself." I skidded to a stop. 

"They're not going to-" Julian began as I pushed the doors open.  King Alkis stood at the head of the table.  Kyrian to his right, King Nikolos and Prince Taren to his left.  My father had been in the middle of a heated statement when he saw me.

"Like that..." Julian finished in a mumble.

"Kiara, what are you doing?" My father asked sternly.

"I could ask you the same question.  What is this about cancelling my marriage?" I strode over to the table.

"Julian," Kyrian groaned, his head hanging down.

"She figured it out herself, just for the record.  I don't know how she did it, she just... did," Julian said.  Kyrian lifted his head again, raising his eyebrows at his friend.  Before he could make eye contact with me, I looked at my father.
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Julian

"I'm not some dumb broad.  I'm a princess.  I have been trained for years in diplomacy and I know my family like the back of my hand.  I knew it was something my father and brother would do," Kiara said with a slightly insulted expression. "Give me credit where credit is due.  Now, what is the meaning of this?"

"The meaning of this is I don't trust you to be in good hands after I marry you off to this prince when his guard allowed you to not only escape your room unseen but allowed assassins into the castle and nearly got you killed!" King Nikolos roared.

"The assassins wore the armor of the Thracian army," she argued with just as much ferocity. "First, I would like to point out that whoever sent them was smart.  They knew anyone who wasn't a servant or a guard would be questioned about why they were in the palace.  This is no fault of Kyrian's or his father." At the mention of his name from her mouth, Kyrian's tense shoulders relaxed ever so slightly.  He focused on King Nikolos as Kiara continued. "Second, there were no guards outside my room when I left, meaning that the assassins must've told my guards they were taking over their shift and had planned on killing me earlier that morning except I eluded them by sneaking out of the palace."

"You did what?" Kyrian blurted out incredulously.

She ignored him. "Elaborating on my second point, I foiled their plans the first time.  Unfortunately not the second as we all know.  So my point is that I believe this was an inside job.  If you want to search for this assassin, look in the palace."

"Do you know who would have such a grudge against you?" King Alkis asked.

"No, I mean, the only person I can think of that doesn't like me is Alcina, but to go as far as to kill me?"

"Regardless, I want her interrogated.  But Kiara, think, if someone wants you dead this badly, you are safer back home," King Nikolos pointed out.

"We have to do it to strengthen our alliance with Thrace," Kiara countered, bracing herself against the table, mirroring Kyrian's actions. "Unless you have come up with a better, alternate solution."

"You sound like Kyrian," her father noted.

She stiffened. "No worries.  We haven't discussed any of this.  It's not like we've spoken to each other the past few days thanks to our busy schedules."

"You were so against this marriage, little sister.  What changed?" Prince Taren queried.

"Because I've gotten to know him, and I know I can live with this decision, live with Kyrian for the rest of my life."

"You won't even show affection to him publicly," her brother countered smugly.

Kiara gave him a smile that screamed sarcasm. "We didn't want people to get the wrong idea, but if it's affection you wish for, I have no problem showing it." Without looking at him, she took Kyrian's hand into hers.  He smiled.
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Kiara

I felt the surprise from Kyrian in the brief tension in his hand.  However, thankfully, he went with it.  His thumb glided up and down my hand gently, making my heart jump a little.  I forced myself to not grin when he looked over at me.

"Something has changed in you little sister.  I intend to find out what," Taren told me.

"I wish you the best of luck, your highness," I replied calmly although in reality I wanted to strangle him. "Now that these matters have been decided and that Kyrian and mine's marriage is still on, I must be off to help plan a celebration."

"What are we celebrating?" My father asked.

Julian beamed. "I'm going to be a father, your majesty."

Kyrian broke into a smile, albeit a tired one, but a genuine one nonetheless.  He walked over to his friend, clapping him on the back. "Congratulations, Julian.  And you too Penelope," he said cheerfully, kissing her on the cheek.

"You're all invited.  Tonight, at our house, when the sun sets," Penelope offered, intertwining her fingers through her husband's.

"You can count me being there."

"You'll have to excuse me and my son, but we have business matters to attend to.  Thank you for the invitation though," my father said courteously.  King Alkis gave much the same response.  I took my leave with Penelope and Julian.  A few seconds later Kyrian joined us, walking beside me.  It was the closest we'd been to each other since our argument.  I still couldn't look him in the eye.  I felt awkward doing so, after what he witnessed between me and Agathon.

"Penelope, Kiara, you two leave everything to me," Julian said. "I will make sure all the invitations go out, that we have the necessary food and drink."

"Leave us, well, me, to decorating.  You can't have a party without decorations," I pointed out.

"What will I do?" Penelope asked indignantly.

"You get relax and tell everyone what to do.  You are the queen for the day," I declared. "Come, there's much to do."
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A few hours later, the party was in full swing.  Close friends of Penelope's and army friends of Julian's had been invited.  He'd managed to get a small group of musicians to play music as well.  I went around, introducing myself, wanting to get to know more people.  They all bowed and curtsied but I insisted that wasn't necessary, not in such a casual situation.

All the girls fussed over Penelope, and I could tell it was embarrassing my friend.  She sent me a 'help me' glance but I shrugged, trying to silently tell her that I couldn't think of anything to get her out of it. I went to grab a drink, pouring myself a small cup of wine.  Taking sips as I walked around, I carefully observed everything going on.  A few men at one table were having an arm wrestling competition.  At another table, a bunch of women gossiped about something.  Three women, elders, talked quietly, every once in a while glancing over at me.  I'd smile at them, but felt self-conscious.  Were they talking about me?

Julian sat near the fire with Penelope in his lap.  Both of them were glowing from happiness.  Kyrian leaned against a column, laughing at something his friend said, but there was something strange about it.  His laugh ended too quickly.  I knew what that meant.  He had other things on his mind.  Something was bothering him.

"Your highness?" A soldier asked, tapping me on the shoulder.  He was young, dark black hair and dark brown eyes.  I remembered him introducing himself as Lander earlier.

"Hello, soldier," I greeted.

"I am not worthy to ask a lady of you status this, but may I have this dance?"

I smiled. "Why not?"

Setting my wine glass down, I let the soldier lead me to dance floor where everyone gathered.  It was actually a very traditional dance, one where you just needed a partner.  I was glad it wasn't one of the more intimate traditional dances.  Those are awkward if you don't know your partner...

The wine helped me be more outgoing and probably helped me dance better because let's be honest here, I'm not the best dancer.  One dance turned into ten, and by the end of the tenth, my feet were killing me.  However, the most drunken man in the room hollered out that this next dance, everyone was required to dance, including the hosts.  I jumped up and down in excitement; the wine may have been going to my head a little.  I took my place in the circle, looking around to see where Kyrian was.  He was nowhere to be found.  Julian slipped in next to me with Penelope.  Leaning over to me, he whispered, "He's outside if you want to see him."

I nodded, making up an excuse so I could escape the dance.  No one paid me much attention when I slipped through the door.  He sat on the porch, watching the world go by, but turned his head when he heard the door open.  Surprise at the sight of me showed on Kyrian's face, but he gave me a small smile.

"Hey, what are you doing out here?" he questioned.

I shut the door and sat down next to him. "Looking for you."

Silence ensued for a few moments before he asked, "How are your hands?"

"They're healing."

"Is it true you punched Agathon?" His tone hinted he was trying to hide his amusement.

"Yes," I replied. "He came to apologize once he was sober but I was still so infuriated with him that I just... sort of... punched him.  I would've hit him harder if I'd used my right hand but considering that was the one I used to punch a marble column." I studied my hand.  The scabs and bruises had reduced significantly and were hardly noticeable anymore.

"Why did you punch a column?"

"I was frustrated.  Oh, and you think my hand looks bad, you should see the column."

Kyrian chuckled. "I'm going to do that when we get back to the palace.  But what were you so frustrated about?  Is everything okay?"

"Depends on what matter you're talking about," I joked humorlessly.

"What's bothering you most?"

"Us," I confessed, finally meeting his gaze for the first time in our conversation.

"What about us?"

"I fear after what I caused between you and Agathon and what I caused between you and I that all the progress we made in getting to know each other has been ruined, that we've relapsed back to our original relationship and I don't want that.  I wanted to make amends with you the moment you walked out that door.  In fact I went searching for you but I heard you in the training field and after hearing what you had to say, it frightened me, so I left."

"You heard what I said?!"

"Just the part where you were stupid for trusting me and that you wanted to cancel the marriage.  And your sword.  You really wanted your sword.  According to Julian there was a bunch more that I should've stayed and listened to."

"No, no, no, what I said- I was ranting.  Hell, I was lying to myself when I said that.  The part you should've heard was Julian actually having me admit that I was lying to myself.  He's good at getting me to do that but that's not my point.  My point is I do trust you, and I don't want this marriage to be cancelled.  May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why did you call me 'your highness' after our fight?"

"This sounds so childish come to think of it, but I was hurt by your outburst, but rather than show that, I do what I do best: I hid my emotions.  Besides, it felt weird calling you Kyrian at that moment.  It felt like our whole relationship had crashed in that moment and the first name basis thing had disappeared.  Stupid I know.  Why did it bother you so much?"

"Do you instill fear into every man's heart you meet?" He countered with a smile. "I thought you were angry with me and had convinced myself you were going to go to your father to persuade him into cancelling the marriage.  Stupid, I know... will you forgive me though?  For my outburst at you?"

"I do, but you are not the one who should be asking for forgiveness.  I've been a child.  I should've come to you sooner.  In fact, I should've let you put Agathon in his place."

Kyrian snorted. "I think you did that yourself."

"I better have..." I muttered. "Do you forgive me?"

"You have nothing to be forgiven for, but if it makes you feel better, then yes.  I do."

I let out a sigh of relief.  I looked up at the stars, rubbing my hands up and down my arms trying to warm myself up.  Kyrian placed his arm around me, pulling me close.  The man could be a fire he was so warm.  I snuggled up to him and turned my head towards him.

"So why are you out here?" I inquired.

He sighed. "Trying to figure out when I'll actually be home for more than a month."

"You have three more days."

"Not anymore.  We just received word the situation in the town has worsened and need quicker help.  We leave on the morrow."

"Well that bites.  How long will the journey take?"

"Two weeks at most, I promise.  When I get back, can we go back to our daily lunches?  I do miss those?"

"Maybe some midnight walks too?  I remember you talking about those."

"I will hop over to your balcony from mine and sweep you off your feet down to the garden.  Convenient it's right outside our balconies.  Kiara, there's something else I wanted to speak to about."

"Hmm?"

"After the events yesterday and seeing as how we are still trying to find your assassin and seeing as how you are the spirited person you are, I thought it may be a good idea to train you how to fight.  You can already fight, I saw that, but just as a precaution-"

"That sounds amazing!  When do I start?" I asked eagerly.

"We have a sword master here that's willing to teach you.  I will inform him through word that you have decided to take up lessons.  He will instruct you from there until Julian and I arrive.  After that, Julian will teach you.  Deal?"

"Deal."

"Do try not to let trouble find you though," he laughed, bracing his head against mine.

"I will try, but no promises," I told him.  The two of us then sat there, foreheads touching, me wrapped in his arms.  I could've sat there all night had we not been interrupted by the door opening.  We turned our heads back to look at the person.  Julian stood there, grinning triumphantly.

"About time you two," he said drolly. "We're about to have one last dance before everyone goes home.  I was going to see if you two wanted to join, but you look pretty cozy out here."

"We have the rest of our lives to be cozy with each other.  I stood up, pulling Kyrian up with me. "All right General, you're my partner for this."

"Oh really?  Is that an order prinkípissa mou?" He bantered.

"Considering you're a general and I'm a princess, I outrank you, so therefore, yes, this is an order."

"An order which I am happy to oblige." The two of us entered Julian's house and took up our places on the dance floor.
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The next morning... 

I walked down to the stables where the last few soldiers were getting their horses ready.  I passed Julian who smiled tiredly at me.  I returned it.  I went to the very end of the stables where I found my fiancé saddling his horse.  He was humming the song we'd danced to last night as well.  The sound brought a smile to my face.

"Hey there, General," I greeted, leaning against the stable door.

Kyrian beamed at the sight of me. "I was worried I wasn't going to be able to see you before I left."

"I couldn't let that happen.  Besides, I've been up for hours.  Need any help?"

"Why have you been up so long?  And no, just having you here is all I need."

"Such a charmer," I chuckled. "And just couldn't sleep last night, that's all."

Kyrian finished putting on the bridle before coming over to me, taking my hands in his. "I promise this is the last trip I will be making before our wedding.  Afterwards we can spend as much time as we want together."

"Just come back to me... General."

"Yes, prinkípissa mou," he said with a smirk. "Please be here when I come back."

"Where on earth can I go?"

"There's been an attempt on your life.  Did you think I wouldn't worry?  Not to mention you are incredible at sneaking out and around.  Yes, I'm going to be very worried."

"It's not like I go looking for trouble!  Trouble just seems to find me... but you need not worry.  I have no plans of getting myself killed, whether it be by assassins or by my explorations outside the palace.  For the record, I do not plan to leave the palace any time soon.  I will be here when you get back.  I promise."

Kyrian nodded but I could tell he didn't believe me about leaving the palace.  He took my right hand in his left and grabbed the reins of his horse in his right.  We walked out of the now deserted stables onto the street.  Soldiers were hopping onto their horses, others double-checking they had everything.  Julian was barking orders, keeping everyone in line.

"I will see you in a fortnight," Kyrian vowed, kissing me on the head.

"Just come back to me, General," I replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek.  My fiancé bowed before getting on his white horse.  Giving me one last smile, he spurred his horse towards Julian, shouting for the soldiers to fall in.  His army did as they were told immediately.  Once in formation, the horde began to ride off.

"Are you Princess Kiara?" A voice asked from behind me.

I froze. "Depends on who's asking."

"My name is Aemon.  I'm the sword master here.  I've been given word you wanted to train."

Letting out a sigh of relief, I turned around.  The man was about fifty, short and stocky with a greying beard.  His eyes were kind though. "Yes, sir."

"Please, call me Aemon.  If you will follow me to the training ground, we will begin your lessons, Princess Kiara."

"Call me Kiara.  Lead the way, Aemon."
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Finally glad Kiara and Kyrian are talking again :) Review please!