Dnarza's eyes burnt with hot tears that made their way down her cheeks, smudging the kohl in her eyes, as she looked at herself in the revealing clothing she had to wear for Theon's birth anniversary celebrations, which would decide her fate.

The crimson strip of cloth with a flowery pattern barely covered her chest, securing it to her back with a tiny hook. The black skirt she wore had a slit on each side up to the middle of her thighs.

She pulled on a shawl in an attempt to hide her reflection from herself.

Her mother wiped the kohl stains from her cheeks, cleaning up the smudging around her eyes. She tied a shiny belt at her hips and held her at an arm's distance to have one last look at her before she left for the palace.

"Do not stay there a minute after your dance is done, no matter what happens." She said, even though she knew she had no control over it.

There were tears in her eyes too, but she didn't change the expressions on her face. Her eyes had the expression of failure; of a mother who had failed to protect her child.

She took her into her arms in a tight embrace and Dnarza did not think she'd ever let go.

"I'm so sorry, Marcus." She said, a tear falling from her eye.

Marcus was Dnarza's father's name. That was all she knew about him.

***

Four eunuchs from the palace had been sent to bring Dnarza in a palanquin. It was meant to make her feel like royalty, but she felt like a lamb on her way to be slaughtered.

More than once, she looked out of the moving wooden box, wondering what would happen if she jumped down and escaped once and for all.

However, she knew she couldn't. Her mother would have to bear the brunt of the king's anger and she wouldn't be able to survive for long.

Hopelessness plagued her mind as she reached the palace.

It was huge and decorated beautifully in celebration. The large gardens had been covered with thousands of clay lamps, making them look like stars. Colorfully dressed girls were serving the guests drinks and refreshments, while the king sat on a large, illuminated throne, with his brothers beside him. A dance was being presented before him by a group of men carrying sticks, who were dancing to the beat of the drums. For a minute, Dnarza forgot about everything else, held in a trance by the pull of the festivities.

A sudden surge of something unexplainable ran into her. A feeling of belonging. She felt like she had known this place all her life. Her eyes turned to the three brothers on their thrones and her heart filled with extreme anger. The sort of anger you feel towards someone who has snatched away something you love.

As soon as she took a step out of the palanquin, she heard an announcement.

"Presenting the beautiful Dnarza, daughter of the dancer Zaphina!" Said the presenter.

All eyes were on her as she made her way to the raised platform in front of the throne. People parted to have a look at her.

The men could not take their eyes off her. Her body was like a powerful magnet, attracting every male's sight in a firm pull.

She slipped her shawl off.

She felt powerful. She would not need it any more.

She stopped right in front of the throne and her eyes met the eyes of the king. Her fear was replaced by a deep burning hatred as she looked at the king, his rich blue robes draped over her protruding belly.

His grey eyes slithered down her body in approval. The feeling brought a sense of dread to her, but she kept her head held high.

"Ah, so this is the insolent wench you mentioned." He said unable to take his eyes off her, at Grant, who had a half nude woman on his lap.

Grant merely nodded, his eyes held prisoner by her body. The feeling of his eyes on her body made her skin crawl, but she kept her composure.

Her eyes travelled to Theon, who watched her with an unreadable expression. Her eyes met his for a moment, then she glanced away.

"Very well, then. You have my permission to begin your performance."

Dnarza almost scoffed at him. She did not need his permission.

He clapped twice and music began playing. Dnarza closed her eyes and let the music take over her.

***

Theon felt like he had betrayed her. Here she was, dancing in those terribly indecent clothes just because of him. He could watch all of their eyes on her exposed limbs as she gyrated to the music and couldn't help but feel a deep anger burn in him.

What was worse was that he found similar lustful feelings arise in himself as she moved her limbs. She had a beautiful body. More beautiful than any other he had seen. Her smooth skin and well proportioned curves had a power, leaving men powerless to her grace. He found that he couldn't bear to have others look at her the same way. He wanted her all to himself.

So he closed his eyes, trying to forget the others looking at her. He wanted to kill his brother Grant for doing this, making her reveal herself like this. He just wished all this would end and he could make sure she reached back untouched.

After some excruciating minutes, the music stopped and he opened his eyes. A huge applause roared through the gardens as she stopped dancing, people seemed to have been shaken out of their trance. Dnarza raised her arms in appreciation and turned to leave.

***

Dnarza felt exhilaration through her dance performance, the sort that she never thought she would feel. Energy surged into her, the music was rising in it's tempo, coming to towards an end. But she felt like she was just starting.

As it came to an end, she gracefully raised her arms in appreciation to the king. She was not going to bow down to him.

At this point, she knew she had them in her control. Grants eyes showed her that she had earned his favour.

As she turned to leave, she heard his voice.

"That was a beautiful dance. You dance even better than your mother." Dnarza politely nodded her head. She was getting impatient now. She simply wanted to take her mother's advice and get out of the palace as soon as possible.

"The question is," He continued, "Are you just as good in bed as she is?"

Whistles and claps began sounding in the halls.

Warmth spread over her face at the indecent remark. She insides were burning with anger. She would end his exploitation of her mother.

"You are to spend the night in my chambers." Said Grant, just as she expected him to say. She had been filled with dread at the thought earlier, but now she was looking forward to it. She was not going to let him see the light of day.

She said nothing as the brightly dressed girls began to escort her out of the hall.

"Stop." Yelled Theon, his eyes still unreadable, "She danced for the celebrations in my name. She shall be spending the night with me."

She turned around to see Theon standing, looking in her direction. He seemed to be trying to give her a reassuring glance. And she understood. He was trying to protect her.

This was unexpected. She hadn't considered this scenario. She had assumed that either Grant or the king would be taking her.

"Very well then, Theon. She will be spending the night with you." Said Grant and the audience cheered.

Dnarza could only hope Theon was the way she thought he was, as she was ushered out of the gardens into the palace.

***

The girls left her in the room of a large tower in the castle, Theon's room. One of the girls handed her a small pitcher of a strong smelling liquid.

"Master Theon is kind and gentle." She said, smiling a little. "But this will help you forget the pain of your first time. It will also keep you from being with child."

Dnarza thanked the girl and downed it in one go, the liquid burning her throat. Her heart told her Theon was not like the others, but her mind told her not to trust anyone.

His tower was decorated simply in browns, reds and blues. It had a large bed with thick curtains surrounding it. A painting of a baby with a woman hung on the wall. A thick rug lay near the fireplace, next to a large chair and desk. A few books were lying on the desk, and as she looked to the side, a whole wall was lined with shelves full of books. Mesmerized, she walked towards it, taking a book in her hand.

"So, you like to read?" A voice asked.

A/N: Here's the next chapter. Please consider giving it a vote if you like it. Thanks for reading!