Althea

I was ever ready to sweat in the summers than to shiver in the cold.

Yes, I hated winters that much.

But I was glad it had been months since the wretched weather was over, once again replaced by the warm Spring Sun.

And it also had been months since I was scheming how to get dad in here.

Where are you, dad? Your baby snail needs you.

Remembering the odd little nickname he gave made me break into a smile. A sad one. As much as I wanted to stay here longer, I really didn't wish to see him resemble a grandfather when I reach home.

Smell of exotic flowers wafted through the air as the servants continued to clean every speck of dust from the hallways; given, the palace of Romanos was chosen as the wedding destination for Jakov and Helaine. Numerous guests from the ally kingdoms were already thronging the eating arena organised in an open field behind the palace.

I stopped in the hallway to rest my arms against the handrail, careful not to touch the flower decorations.

Dad lost mom because she was devoted to knowledge, to seek more. Just like me. Just like I didn't care what the circumstances would be and take a direct plunge into it.

She wanted to know what laid below those narrow, untraceable paths in the Egyptian deserts... just like I wanted to know the untraceable path in history that was Julian...

Cupping my face in my hands, I stared at the clear blue sky. Buzzing of talkative guests faint in the atmosphere. I wanted and also didn't want to be like my mother. I was truly crazy.

Gratefully, dad was doing the one thing I had pestered him countless times, before my transportation into this century.

To send me messages through the department. Into my AI book.

That way I never felt he wasn't with me. He and his jokes. But what saddened me was, I couldn't message back. We applied every nook and cranny of our knowledge to do but in vain.

A savage roar resonated in the air, making my heart jump to my throat. Startled, I peered down into the concubine's garden.

There was no one except the bride-to-be. Looking gorgeous in the myrtle wreaths that adorned her head, arms, wrists and neck. I watched on, mouth agape as she caressed the head of a lioness that peacefully had her massive head rested on her lap.

Beside her sat a lion yawning lazily, his razor-sharp teeth on display. The thick black mane around his face made him look all the more lethal. And then it occurred to me.

Helaine's two cubs Lola and Juno had grown up.

And it seemed they were here to attend her wedding.

Hello Dean Schneider. There, I found your ancestor, I chuckled, gazing on in amusement. Helaine was one hell of a woman of this century. It was good that Cheryl had written enough information about her.

Since Jakov and Helaine were Macedonians, they were marrying according to the ancient Greek tradition. The celebrations would go on for three days with today being the first day called Proaulia which was a pre-wedding ceremony.

I took in a sharp breath when the king entered the garden, his arms crossed as he spoke something to her. I couldn't stop breaking into a laugh when she stuck out her tongue in return.

Waving a hand, he simply walked over to the lion and sat cross-legged beside him.

And then he started moving his fingers in the lion's thick mane, causing the beast to lean into his lap like an obedient dog. Soon lion Juno was growling lowly as he enjoyed the king's caress over his head.

Julian... I sighed.

He's so cool and hot at the same time. How is it possible, hmm? I mused to myself.

Oh yeah, Aphrodite must've made him so.

Sighing, I walked down the stairs to the third floor where several ivy wreaths were to be made, which the palace women would wear for today's evening celebration.

I hadn't got enough of that sight that I stopped again, reaching the third floor to glance down. The lion and Julian looked like best friends. A sigh escaped me. I didn't know why I was sighing so much lately.

Everything went on smoothly ever since mistress Ionna left the palace. The concubines wouldn't try bothering me. And it was so good that my professional relation with Julian had improved. Unlike earlier times when I would recite my book and he would just sit and stare, these times he suggested more content, often telling me things I never knew.

And I was also glad that he never kissed me after that day he gifted the necklace.

Yes, you are glad. You are so glad, Coretta! Understand that you are G-L-A-D, and not the other way round...

I swallowed the lump in my throat and exhaled a heavy breath. Now I knew why I was sighing so much.

Screw you, Althea Rosemary.

Before he could catch me staring, I retreated into one of the passage.

This entire floor had narrow hallways constructed like a maze, tiny rooms at every corner. I'd got to know that this was a defence mechanism created against possible invasion, to entangle the enemy into this floor, so the fifth floor where the royals resided, had enough time to retaliate.

I ambled by the walls, having memorised the path after staying here this long. I smiled. It was a wishful dream I had as a teen; to live in a king's palace, being all old-fashioned and doing everything the ancient people did. And getting this chance after years of hard work... I don't think I'll ever get this opportunity in any other life.

But getting lost in thoughts was a bad idea when a large hand clamped my mouth out of nowhere, cutting my breath for the moment. The unexpected action panicked me so much that before I could make out what was happening, the person was already dragging me behind.

I clawed at his hand, but to no avail. He was just too strong.

"I'm disappointed, Cors. Where is your self-defence?"

Catching my breath, I whirled around to look at the towering warrior in front of him. Huh? Who was he? I squinted my eyes, "Lorenzo? You here?"

"Yeah me, dyed my hair black," he grinned, weaving a hand through his hair, "Got the wedding invitation," He pointed to the golden Romanowskian seal pinned to the royal red scarf around his shoulders. I slumped against the wall.

"You never looked this brazen as you do now," I exclaimed. He almost resembled a wild man in warrior attire.

"Of course I do. Have you noticed this?" he motioned to his skin that was a bronze shade now, "I'm loving this tan, looks freaking hot on me," As complimented by Cheryl, I snickered to myself. Now I knew why she was gushing all over him in my last call with her.

"You and Dunkin are going to give me an attack someday," I pushed myself off the wall, "This chip is here for a reason," I waved my wrist to him. Both were hellbent on scaring me instead of using the technology.

He faced me, smiling ear to ear, "Keeping aside all that, Cors, it's been five damn years since we saw each other this close!"

Nodding in ecstasy, we moved forward to hug but stopped a foot apart.

"Not allowed here," We raised our hand and said together, bursting into momentary laughter.

He straightened suddenly, eyes lowered, "Your presence is requested in the grand hall, gentle lady," he deepened his voice as two servants passed us.

"Gentle lady? Seriously?" I snorted a laugh, "I remember defeating you in self-defence sessions," I looked at my nails in interest.

"Well, now you look like anyone would blow a puff of air on you and you'd faint."

"WHAT?!"

He cowered away at my demeanour, making a crying face at the fear that people would catch us, "Easy there, dear lioness..." he trailed. "Your presence is indeed requested in the grand hall."

Hm, better.

"As I was saying, habits don't go," he shook his head, leading me out on the broader marble hallway that led to the grand hall,
"Like I was visiting Remun Ra in his temple, and accidentally high fived him. Poor donut had to hear a whole darn lecture by those little priests," he snickered, "Dunno what the fuck he was thinking when he became his holy entity. Could've easily become a court jester," he drawled.

"Don't be a fool," I walked a step behind, making sure nearby people weren't able to hear our English, "Court jesters came into existence in the medieval times."

"Oh man yeah," he ran his hand down his face, "Ever since they told we gonna transport to this time, I've deleted everything from my precious brain except ancient history," he chuckled.

We stepped into the wooden pillared hall where most of the wedding preparation was going on. It was yet another ritual of sorts wherein major preparation must be done under one roof.

Myriad of activities went on. With one corner reserved for cooking the foods for royals, some were busy making flower decorations. Different types of sweets seemed like overflowing the hall, which were packed individually as gifts to guests. We walked on, careful not to step on anything.

One corner even had a group of musicians playing the lyre and other instruments, enclosing the area in a melodious atmosphere as some people hummed to the song. Several priests also sat by the large window of this hall, preparing for the various rituals of the three-day wedding celebration.

"Ahoy! Greek goddess!" Someone shouted amongst the humming people that I turned around.

I found Dunkin leaning against the window.

"Gosh, you're here too!" I squealed as he came to join us.

"You know I didn't want to..." he rubbed the back of his head, "But, if Loren isn't scared, I won't too," he managed to grin but that turned into a gulp, "Just shoot me a message if that big guy's around. Wouldn't want to face him again, man..." he trembled.

"Damn yeah," Lorenzo joined him, "Cors, it's your job to alert us!"

"What has he even done?" I sputtered. This was too funny.

"Dunno, he just looks at us like... he knows we are someone else. His gaze tells if he finds us alone, he wouldn't spare us..."

Their cowardice was laughable, "That's a kingly tactic to always appear intimidating. Nothing to worry about-"

"Would you like to have some sweets, my lady?" I glanced back to see a man holding a plate of delicacies.

"Awwh, Aarmen you too!"

A smile broke on his lips, "Yeah. My landlord's crop production has been fantastic so we are arranging the grains used for the royals' food," he smiled.

This was going to be a real celebration!

Fetching some threads and ivy from the women with whom I had to make the wreaths, I collected the items and entered one of the smaller rooms in the hall where Dunkin sat (acting) to prepare something for one of the rituals. Aarmen had his legs stretched over one another, leaning against the wall as he wrote his AI book, while Lorenzo repeatedly glanced down the window.

"So..." I dragged on, fretting for their reaction, "It's been months since we last talked this out," I exhaled, "Have you all decided who's going to be my dad?"

Even though they weren't drinking anything, they started choking.

"Guys, please... have I ever asked for a favour?" I plopped down on the table next to the window. Whenever I would raise this issue, they'd make excuses and escape the group call. I huffed.

"Nope, Cors nope. We ain't have no death wish," Dunkin orated.

Lorenzo shook his head, "Babe, we want a peaceful death. I'm sure I'm gonna get nightmares back in home of his tortures if I ever die by his hands."

He sighed, "Understand, Cors... he may be lenient to you, but to us males," I felt him taking a ragged breath, "Nah, I'm not even imagining it."

"He's brutal," Dunkin wheezed, "Get it in your head, bruh-taal!"

Exhausted by this situation, my eyes moved to look at Aarmen in a last chance of hope. Though his gaze was hooked on his book, I knew he was hearing it all, given his pen had stopped.

"Aarmen, please..." I whispered.

"Yo, Aarmen is Our Man, he'll do it! His acting skills are dope!" Lorenzo jeered.

He shifted uneasily, closing his book, "Well... you should remember that... the king of Romanos has seen me too..." he trailed, rubbing the back of his head.

"We'll have you dressed. Head to toe," I explained, "As for the face, we'll order a fake beard from the AI book."

Dunkin and Lorenzo whistled along, "That's our brilliant teammate!" But Aarmen had become sweaty by now.

"Coretta..." he stuttered, "You're making me a scapegoat..."

"Plwease daddy Aarmen," Lorenzo and Dunkin pouted.

"Shut up!" he snapped, "I'm no one's daddy," he shuddered.

He was one being who got creeped out by kids. Surely, he could manage a conference meeting with higher authorities but give him a kid or two to look after, and he'd be running for the hills.

"Ugh, Aarmen," I stood up to sit in front of him, "Weren't you the one who got us out of that forest?" I whined, "King of Romanos has high regards for me, and it's obvious that he'll respect the father of his court writer!"

"But... what if he knows..." he drawled.

"Then we both are dead and will be returning home. S-i-m-p-l-e," I shrugged. But something inside me told the other way round.

No, it won't be that simple, Althea...

"Bro look," Dunkin joined us, "She told him you're off to India. So just dress up like an Indian man, you can even cover your head with a turban and there, all covered."

"We can even order an embroidered piece of Indian cloth from the AI book as a gift for him!" I squealed.

"You can also wear sky blue contacts to match Cors eye colour."

"Also, you can tell about the current ruling king of that countr-"

"Okay, okay stop, for once," he sagged against the wall, "But I need a few days to... rehearse for my acting," he buried his face in his hands, "I mean it's The King. Can't mess this up," he said, finally accepting.

"Yass!" I couldn't stop and crushed him in a hug, "Love you love you love you so much, Aarmennnn!" I pulled back to see his face turned pale by the pressure. I giggled.

A message twinkled in our head, making us halt for a moment.

Eeeeep, I'm here!

"Come here, you all!" Lorenzo yelled, "Just... look at her."

We peered down the window to see a gold-encrusted wooden chariot that had just arrived. Several women stepped out and stood in two lines with their heads bowed, acknowledging the woman who came out at last.

Cheryl.

She looked breathtaking.

With her hairs tied in intricate braids, she stepped out as a guard gently held her hand to help her out. Gracefully, she dusted her equally stunning dress and looked around animatedly, her ornaments shimmering under the shining Sun.

As if on cue, she raised her head with a hand over her eyes to look at us, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Look at that," Dunkin whispered in my ear, motioning his eyes to Lorenzo's arm that had veins popping all over with the intensity with which he was gripping the window frame. His mouth curved into a devious smirk as his eyes looked like devouring her from above.

"Well, things look serious between them..." I whispered back.

"Heck yeah, how did she know she'd look up and find us?" he shot back, "I bet they are talking dirty, right this moment!" I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh.

"My queen..." Lorenzo gritted out unconsciously, a foolish grin on his face. He looked so focussed that it seemed he'd forgotten we were standing next to him.

I rested my face on my elbow, passing her a smile, "Looks like I'll become an aunt soon," I wondered aloud.

He broke out of his daze, eyes widening, "Stop it, you're making me blush," he covered a palm over his face as Dunkin started to sing a love song.

I completed the wreaths of ivy and soon, Cheryl was entering our little room, her robes flowing behind her.

"Cors, my baby!" She engulfed me in a hug, and we held each other for the longest moment.

"Your beauty and fragrance will defeat the most famous queens, Cheryl..." I sighed a smile, "You are sparkling like a star."

"Says the one who looks angel-face 24×7 hmm?" She giggled, "They put milk, perfumes, flowers and whatnot into my bath, and," she leant closer, "that's the secret to my natural glow," she backed away with a grin.

Darn it kitten, stop being such a tease and fuckin hug me already! My face flushed red when Lorenzo's voicemail arrived in my head.

Slowly, I looked at him. His eyes were locked on Cheryl as she talked to Aarmen, clearly ignoring him.

I forwarded the message to Dunkin. Lorenzo made a mistake again?

Bahahaha, he's totally whipped. Doesn't even know who the heck is he messaging his deeds, he replied, winking my way.

"Well Cheryl, I would've forwarded you the message as usual," he started, "but since you are here, let me tell you that Loren wants a hug too."

Lorenzo's face hardened, "Fuck, I sent him again," he muttered to himself, annoyed.

"Awwh, really? You could've told me baby Loren," she closed her arms around his towering frame and he froze momentarily, before snaking his hands around her bare waist, slowly making his way up her back.
I shifted my sight, embarrassed.

"Here," Dunkin picked up a little goblet, "I've got holy water," he sprinkled it on me, "and you too Aarmen," he threw some on him, "Lord save you from the big guy who spends his leisure time with lions." Aarmen paled out at the revelation.

"You know me, don't you? I wouldn't do that," Cheryl's soft laugh was musical as I turned around to see her hands holding the collar of his cloak, smiling at him.

I heard Dunkin groan, "I want a girl who looks at me like that. Loren's lucky."

"Me too," I mumbled.

Stop being such a liar, Coretta, you've already discovered a person who looks at you like that... my inner voice thumped me from within.

"But I don't have anyone for now so... I'll just sway-to-the-beats," he snickered, rocking back and forth on his heels to the music that played in the hall.

After spending some more time, Cheryl pulled me out of the hall.

"This project made two people come closer, I guess," I smirked as we crossed the hallways, making her throw her head back in a laugh.

"Oh, he's being his usual flirty self, nothing else," she rolled her eyes, "any way you know what? Helaine is making toys that have to be offered to Artemis, Athena, and Aphrodite as a pre-wedding ritual. Isn't it cool?" she clapped, "we are going to help her make those!"

Several people, mostly women, were assembled in the celebration hallway on the ground floor. The throne at the far end was empty, but they'd covered the entire area with a carpet, with women sitting in circles, chatting and laughing non-stop. Cheryl took me to the group sitting near the entrance where the Sun had its warm rays spread across.

Every time I saw Helaine, it looked like she had her guards up. A fierce look settled on her face. But today it seemed she had removed all those layers, and what stood out was a delicate feminine persona as she giggled and blushed at mere things. I wonder what relation she held with Julian. She seemed so casual with him.

"I've put Lola and Juno to sleep," she laughed, "Don't want my babies sleeping in the evening celebration."

"Babies? They've already terrorised half of the guests!" Another woman exclaimed, causing everyone to burst out laughing.

"Alright," Phoebe, who was also here clapped to gain attention, "Now Helaine would tell the story she'd promised us all this time," she grinned, "How you met Jakov!"

The bride smiled, heaving a sigh as she started the story I was definitely going to write about.

* * *

Dust blew across her vision as she ran and ran without a stop. The angry voices had long faded away that chased her, but she wasn't going to turn back. Not now. Not never.

Because her scars were fading away.

Fadingscar, that's what she loved to call herself.

Entering a forested area, she collapsed against a tree trunk, breathing heavily. Alexander's warriors marched across a dusty track in the forest, and she knew they'd built their camps here.

The war had begun.

Pushing herself off the muddy forest ground, she staggered to one of the camps, which had now become empty. Fortunately finding some water, she quenched her thirst and clasped herself in a warrior's attire, fixing the helmet in place, covering her face.

After all the things she had to go through, the scars on her arms, around her neck, her eyes that had lost the shine, dulled by the horror of having to wed the Persian master of slaves...

She didn't want to survive anymore.

"I swear to you Athena," she took a sword from the various weapons that lay in one corner, raising it high above, "End me or give me another life today!"

No one got a whiff of her as she entered the battlefield, a shield in one hand and a sword in another. Head held high, looking headstrong like any other warrior.

This was the last day of her life, but she was happy. She was going to die with pride and not by the torment of that sadistic master. Since childhood, she had learnt enough skills of a warrior that she wasn't afraid anymore.

Alexander's cry resonated in the area, indicating the commencement of the war. The warriors roared along, and soon, everyone started marching forward to face the rush of enemy warriors.

She swung her sword with precision, remembering all the tactics she learnt in hiding. Enemies fell around her, her hand stained with red.

Blood didn't repulse her. Not anymore when the heads of innocent people were cut off and thrown at her feet, as their blood would splatter all across her face.

This was what happened when she tried talking to anyone other than her to-be husband.

The eastern warlord of Persia, Omid.

Imagining him to be here in front of her, she gritted her teeth, swinging her sword with a ferocity like never before. None of the enemies could stay alive longer when they combated her.

All the years of fear, torture and scars came out as her strength as she fought like her last day in this world.

"Julian! Watch your head!"

Hearing a distinct shout, she whirled around to see a warrior ducking back just in time when the enemy swung an axe over his head. But he had no problem in tackling him with his hands alone.

Her breath clenched when an arrow struck the warrior named Julian's arm, but he was so focussed in clashing with the opponent that he simply yanked the arrow out and continued with the fight.

She walked across the piles of body, blood, arrows and broken weapons, heaving for breath, but all she tasted was the rusted taste of blood on her tongue.

War was a bloodbath. Everything reeked of blood.

Swords and spears continued to clash, and she wished if anyone would slash her to death or strike a sword through her and end her misery for all and once, but it didn't happen.

It was like the goddess of war, Athena herself had vowed to protect her.

Noticing a group of warriors at one end, she quickened her steps, freezing in horror as they were the enemies, surrounding a Greek warrior.

"Hah! What do you think? Because I'm a warrior general, you've won the battle by cornering me?!" It was the same voice that had called out the previous warrior, warning him of the axe attack.

But this said warrior general had his helmet missing, and she could see his face covered in blood, not even able to know if it was his or the enemy's. His bronze hair too leaked red liquid.

Without waiting further, she drove through the group and slashed the two rivals, screaming, "Run!" Her voice was hoarse, the helmet already muffling her feminine tone, "I will handle them! Run to the camps and get a shield!" she roared. The warrior general was already stripped off his helmet and other supplements without which he would die.

But the next instant, she heard him cry out as the enemy struck a sword into his back, a clear violation of the war rules.

Slamming her boot-clad knee on the men at hand; in one blow, slashed the throat of the warrior who had violated the rules. Shakily, she bent down to pull the sword out of the warrior general's back as he lay rasping in pain.

"I-" she gulped, shaking him, "I told you to go to the camps! Please go now!" With that, she began lifting him by the shoulder.

A warrior general shouldn't die. That would lead to a sharp decrease of confidence in the other warriors to stay motivated.

"No..." he gritted out, "I... will... fight!"

"You can't, please!" This time she shrieked, her feminine voice piercing the air.

He wasn't a fool to not realise it. He was... awestruck all of a sudden. Bracing the wound on his back, he stood up, wincing, allowing the bizarre voiced warrior to help him to the camps.

But the truth was, he was intrigued. And he wanted to know just who had helped him.

Cries of wounded warriors hummed the camps as she led him in where the healers treated him. She felt uneasy as his eyes stayed locked on hers, deep gaze burning into her very soul.

When the healer was done, he walked up to her as she kept herself by the doorstep of the camp. Roars of Alexander's warriors could be heard in the distance, signifying they had won the battle.

"Who are you?" he asked simply. She couldn't believe how he was able to stand straight when a spear had just pierced his back.

Then she realised. Her truth was out.

She wanted to laugh at herself. She had entered the war field hoping to end her bleak world, but the vigour of the war had unleashed a fierce part of her.

"If you know, you'll make me a slave..." she whispered, not attempting to hide her true voice. She knew well what happened to a woman after a war.

They were turned to a war prize for the victorious warriors. And she rather wanted to be dead than face her past again.

The warrior tilted his head, "Even if you would've been my enemy, I won't do that," he stated.

Placing her hands on the helmet, she removed it, shaking out her long black hairs, looking him straight in the eye.

"Helaine," she whispered.

Her eyes resembled the night sky, pure darkness just like her hair. Dried blood was encrusted on her cheek and unknowingly, he moved forward, shattered by the sight of the women. As if Athena herself had personified herself to fight amongst the mortals. She was so beautiful, just like the Greek goddess.

He halted when she raised her sword, daring him to come any closer. But he could see the fear in her eyes, for her sword now shook in her hands. He dropped his own weapons.

"Jakov," he uttered. She lowered her sword, heart racing at the sight of his expression.

It was the first time any man had looked at her with so much care, but she wouldn't let her guard down. Not this soon.

"Omid's bride?" he proceeded to ask, amused by the fact that the enemy's wife was here, fighting against her husband's army. More so, her being a woman hadn't deterred her at all.

"Bride-to-be," she corrected, "I want to help," she knew it was enough to let him know she was willing to reveal all the secrets of the slave master.

He nodded, "Alexander would love to meet you. Let's go-"

"Can you keep it a secret?" she hated to sound desperate, but she was.

A gentle smile came on his face, "My life saver's wishes are my command...

"For my entire life."

* * *

"It was the same day I found my babies too!" Happiness gleamed in her eyes, "Lioness' often neglect ailing cubs because they are considered misfit for their pride," she sighed, "Lola was bleeding from the nose while Juno had a scar on his back. Both were days old and limping, barely able to walk.

"They reminded me of who... I used to be..." she murmured.

Everyone listened on solemnly, immersed in her moving story. She had faced a sad past, but she was strong now, just like her lions.

"Only he, Alexander and Julian knew about me," she finished the last clay toy, a little sword and smiled, "I never wanted to draw too much attention on myself."

"It means..." I pondered over, "The eastern warlord who, His Honour assassinated, was going to be your husband?"

She nodded, a smile threatening on her lips, "But I pestered him to take me along. It was me who assassinated Omid, not him," she giggled.

"I believe that there would be a time when women would participate in wars too," she looked up to the clear sky, dreaming about the thing she didn't know had become true in today's world.

Helaine wasn't mentioned anywhere in history, but she could easily be termed as the first woman warrior.

Cheryl and I walked out into the gardens when the women along with the bride went to offer the toys to the goddesses.
Afternoon had arrived and though the Sun was at its highest, it felt soothing.

I looked around and found a single warrior in the practising arena, which was situated just outside the garden's border.

Julian. Focussed on striking the barrel. I shook my head.

"This world feels... so good," Cheryl took in a deep breath of the wet soil of the garden.

"Now I think that... how will I survive in the twenty-first century?" she pouted, "Constant blaring of cars, pollution, a world of allergic cosmetics and... ugh, I don't feel like returning anymore," she rested her head against my shoulder when we sat on the marble stairs out looking the gardens.

In the centre of this platform, a pillar was recently constructed that had Julian's marble bust carved on top of it.

"Look at all these gems," she motioned to her arms and wrists, "You've also got some," she sighed, looking at my necklace, "We cannot take any of this back..."

I hummed along, looking at his statue. How come the archaeologists never found even one single thing about him?

"Hey..." she straightened up, inspecting the garden, "What do you think is there in place of this garden now?

"Port of Alexandria," I replied gloomily.

"Does he have some serious enemies?" she questioned, "I mean, even the remains of this grand palace have never been found."

Enemies... I didn't know any, except his bitterness for his stepbrother.

She stood up abruptly, took my hand and stepped down the stairs to walk into the garden.

"Will anyone see us if I dig up some soil from here?" she asked, pointing to the corner most part of the ground which was hidden under a bush.

I looked on, curious, "There are some guards on the rooftops but they must be having lunch right now. What are you up to?"

She removed a delicate chain from her wrist, one from her arm, and buried it as deep as possible, "We cannot take it back. But we can surely excavate it back in our century, no?" she grinned as I gawked down at her astonishing idea.

"Wow, Cheryl," I breathed out, "This way we can even locate the position of Romanos back in our time!"

"Hell yeah! I'd drawn the map illustrating the location of Romanos that Alexander showed me once. The department must be going bonkers reading my AI book," she chuckled.

An idea struck me, and I rushed inside, coming back with a fairly strong flower vase. There were some people basking under the warm spring Sun but none were looking at us. I knelt beside Cheryl.

This was going to be a golden move for finding any evidence related to Julian in our time.

"They distributed these as wedding invitations so I grabbed one," I showed her the ball-sized seal of the Romanowskian empire, made of bronze.

Dropping it in the vase, we filled it with more of her jewellery and sealed it shut. Somehow we dug another hole and stuffed the vase in the ground.

It wouldn't be easy to find it in our time. Given, thousands of years would pass, resulting in this precious vase to get buried to the deepest parts of the Egyptian deserts. I could roughly make out that it would take at least a year to excavate its findings.

But it was a tiny hope. And the only way I could prove Julian's existence.

A maid came huffing out of breath, "Mistress," she acknowledged Cheryl, "His Honour Alexander has arrived. He's asking for your presence... in his room," she panted.

"Fuc- ah flock of birds," Cheryl laughed awkwardly, grunting under her breath, "F F F, I had to be there for his arrival and I forgot it," she winced. Waving me a quick bye, she followed the maid back into the palace.

Dusting my sapphire coloured dress, I stood on my toes to look into the warrior practice arena. It was empty now.

I picked up my dress and crossed the gardens to stand at the periphery of the arena. Julian wasn't here anymore. Good.

Cautiously, I stepped inside. His practising sword lay at the designated corner of various weapons, indicating his workout was over. He was really something. Not missing out on his routine, even if it was his friend's wedding, right in his palace.

I analysed the metal shields, spears and other handy weapons that I never knew about. Knowing Lorenzo was writing in this field, I didn't lurk around them.

The arena didn't end here. After walking ahead, I came across a little forested area. Several archery targets made of circular woods hung on the tree trunks. Intrigued, I entered deeper into the greenery, surprised by the intricacy with which they constructed the area.

Ropes hung down trees, as if for the practice of climbing a tree. I touched one of the spears that was stuck inside a wooden figurine target, resembling a scarecrow.

I scoffed. Julian never wanted to show me the best of places. Be it the bath arena or this region.

"Women-are-not-allowed," I mimicked him in a deep voice, scowling. What if I'm a woman? Will I melt away to nothing if I step here? Ancient men and their thoughts.

Looking around, it looked like the area for a war that took place inside a forest. Where the warriors sometimes hid and fought and not face to face like in an open battlefield.

So he was training his men in every aspect of tactics. How cool.

Walking further, I spotted another assortment of wooden weapons I didn't know about. I bent down to take one of them when something fell behind me.

No, it was a someone.

"Finally," the voice chuckled, a dark menacing tone I'd never heard, "How beautiful that the court writer herself has entered her trap," I felt the cool blade of the sword pressed against my neck.

"Do you know..." he held one of my arms, breathing down my neck, "How much those people paid me...

"To murder you?"

My breathing spiked up. There was a spy who had infiltrated this area. Julian did tell me there were people out there who wanted me dead.

But I hadn't taken it seriously, because I wasn't afraid of dying.

Duh, why should I be? When I know I'll be reaching home sweet home.

Remain calm. I kept my arms loosened, which naturally would've been clenched to fists. But I showed no resistance.

I'm disappointed, Cors. Where is your self-defence?"

A smile curved up my lips. It had been quite a while since I put up with my self-defence skills. Good thing Lorenzo knocked some forgotten senses back to me.

I tried to squirm a little, instantly knowing that the man had worn an armour. In which case, I would hurt myself if I tried punching him in the gut.

Cool. Focus.

"They paid me a whole of sixty gold coins," he chuckled again.

"W- What have I... done to you..." I quivered, feeling him smile against my head. His mouth was right next to my head. Fantastic.

He continued to speak nonsense while I focussed on backing my shoulders against his chest. This way, I could feel the armour end around his armpit, leaving the soft spot vulnerable.

I wailed a plea again and the next instant aimed my elbow at his armpit, whacking the back of my head against his jaw as hard as possible. It sure hurt, but my skull was stronger than his jaw.

He groaned at the unexpected blow, and before he could avenge, I twisted my leg around his ankle and pulled, making him lose his balance.

Ecstasy filled in when I heard a loud thud behind me. The big bad man had fallen.

I was proud. Julian would be so proud when he'll know I helped catch a spy. I grinned.

Picking up his sword, I turned around proudly to point it right at his neck.

But now, I was screaming in horror.

For I had tackled the king himself...