Greetings to new and old readers. I am so happy to present to you the first three rewritten chapters of Arkadia: Rise Of An Empire. The chapters are quite a bit longer now and the plot a little more definitive so please enjoy. I want to thank you for giving my fic a chance and I also want to remind you that you will be able to purchase the FULL fic on Amazon this month (August)! I am currently waiting on Amazon to finalize. I encourage you to read them and if you'd like, feel free to compare and contrast them with these new, more fine-tuned, chapters. Kindle Worlds is where I will be publishing my edited fic and YES it will have the same name. I haven't decided if I should keep my pen-name though.
I'd also ask you to join my forum: Active Members Only. I'd love to get to know you all and can't wait to chat and geek-out about some of our favorite fandoms.
Again, thank you all so much for the views, reviews, and favorites as well as followers! You are all awesome and I hope you enjoy reading this just as much as I enjoyed writing it.
~Kat~
The room was dimly lit, three wooden couches with plush mattresses and long pillows sat adorned in dull blue. There was a man with sandy blonde hair lounging on one of the couches, completely engulfed in thought. Another was standing near an opaque shimmering window, an icy expression on his face. Yet another man was sitting on the edge of a wooden couch, a weeping woman grasping his shoulder and biting her lip beside him.
"They're dead," the man by the window said, his dark hair hanging over his brow as he stared out the window at the growing crowd of torches. Shouting was beginning to rise from the streets outside, the clamoring of people rushing by was like distant thunder, threatening the storm ahead. "Betrayed by those dishonorable pigs…"
"What should we do?" the man sitting on the couch asked, his eyes distant. "Our people are calling for war."
"Civil war would end up killing us all," the man lounging on the opposite couch assured, setting his cup down on the table next to him. His bright green eyes glanced over at the crying woman and her grief-stricken husband.
"What more can they take from us, Ron?" the man by the window asked, turning to look at the lounging man. Anger was evident in his black eyes as he looked down at him, his jaw tight and squared. "They were behind the assassination of Carlin Green and his son. They have drawn first blood!"
"And it would be unwise to rush into outright war without proper strategy," Ron replied, sitting up from the comfortable mattress. "We cannot hope to match their resources or man-power, Baellion."
"Would you have us stay silent? The people would not stand for silence," Baellion retorted, his dark eyes narrowed.
"It is not up to the people," Ron insisted, his eyes wide.
"You're right, it's my choice," the third man whispered, breaking from his distant stare to look up at the other two. "They murdered my father and my brother and I will have vengeance."
"The debt will be paid," the woman beside him said, her tears still falling down her cheek. "They will feel the loss as keenly as we do."
"Lee, you cannot be serious," Ron begged, sitting straight up on the couch. "Moira, please, talk some sense into him."
"We'd have the larger force if we dared to conscript commoners," Baellion interjected, looking between the two men. "We can control the shipment of guns and raw materials and starve them of munitions and weapons."
"They have complete control of the army," Ron spat, moving to his feet as well. "You'd provoke open war between the military and the people of Arkadia?"
"The military is the people of Arkadia," Moira replied, her almond shaped eyes narrowing even further as she wiped away the tears. "They would not dare turn on the people."
"The commoners are divided," Ron reasoned, looking between them. "The patronage of the Griffin, Jaha, and Pike have made many of them rich and, in a few cases, powerful. They won't just betray the families who put food in their children's mouths."
"Do we not do the same for many in this city?" Lee asked, standing up from the couch.
"We have to approach this path cautiously," Ron insisted, picking up his cup again and downing it. "This will lead to an open conflict with their faction."
"There is no alternative," Baellion asserted, glancing out the window. "Do you hear that? The people of Arkadia know what happened and some are more than willing to fight with us against this injustice."
"I will have vengeance, and justice, for my father and brother," Lee spat, moving to the opaque window and swinging it open. The noise of the dissenting crowd came over the room now and the jeers, cries, and calls for justice echoed in their ears. "Look at how they swarm, like locusts, hungry for carnage."
"They will be our vengeance," Moira assured, coming to stand beside her husband, her hand squeezing his forearm.
"Are we absolutely sure that this is the road we want to take?" Ron asked, looking between the two. "You're barely sixteen, Lee. What would you know of war?"
"I am the head of the Green family now," he spat back, his eyes narrowed on the sandy blonde man in front of him. "And I will have war."
"As would I," Baellion agreed, looking down at the small device in his hand. "And it looks like the city guard is being scrambled to control the mob. Now is the time to act."
"Then we must be sure on a stratagem," Lynn sighed, stepping away from the window. "Tell me, who is the commander of the city guard?"
"Antony Murphy," Baellion replied, looking at the device in his hand.
"His allegiance?"
"He's always stayed neutral," Ron said, looking between them. "He's the captain of the city guard. That is his job."
"If we can control the city guard, we'd have the advantage," Baellion offered, a smirk on his face. "We can offer the Murphy family lands, wealth, and friendship. Offer their heirs titles and noble status."
"And Antony is just going to flock to our side, along with his 800 troops?" Ron asked, the skepticism written on his face.
"The city guard are loyal to him," Lee reasoned, glancing over at Baellion.
"Entirely devoted," Moira nodded. "He was responsible for the defense of the city when Azgeda crossed into our territory. He endured the siege until our military could take action."
"Contact him now, Baellion," Lee insisted. "Contact him and tell him to bring his most loyal captains."
There was an ominous silence in the room at that moment, Baellion nodding slowly before typing on his handheld. It flashed blue for a moment, pulsing slowly until a new voice echoed about the small room.
"Master Blake?" came a man's gruff and confused voice.
"Antony, I need you and your most loyal captains to come to my chateau," Baellion insisted, the rest of the room remaining silent as they observed the conversation.
"The city guard has been summoned to quell the riots…"
"And now they are summoned to my home. Gather all your loyal men and come quickly. I would speak to you in confidence."
There was a moment of silence before the man's voice crackled through the speaker again. "Is it true what they are saying, Baellion?"
"Carlin and Ken Green are both dead," Baellion replied, his voice solemn. "Will you do nothing?" Another long and torturous silence followed, the room almost freezing in time as the blue light from the handheld illuminated Baellion's curly dark locks.
"I am on my way," Antony's voice crackled before the screen faded from blue to a dull white glow.
"And so, the war begins…" Ron sighed, bringing another cup to his lips.
38 years later…
On this day, the 200th Unity Day Celebration, the whole town was alight with parties. The wide stone lined streets were decorated with dyed cloth and ribbon, flags and beautiful flowers hanging from the streams above the people as they walked through the market. The noise was lively, a buzz about the town that put everyone in a good mood.
The town had once only housed 300 survivors from the Ark but over a hundred years later the streets were crawling with well over 10,000 Arkadians. The festivities started two days ago, and encompassed a wide array of entertainments. Theater, music, and games were what everyone enjoyed and vendors sold cooked meats and baked goods all from family farms or factories. During the games, many commoners bet on which noble family would win the title of champion that year. There were running, swimming, and sport competitions but there were also competitions for musicians, poets, writers, and performers. It was a grand spectacle but what topped off the festival, on the third day, was the war games.
The war games were somewhat brutal but men and women volunteered every year to try and become the champion. It featured gladiatorial style combat against great beasts and other men. The Arkadians rounded up wild animals like giant cats, mutated reptiles, and dangerous mammals to fight in the pits. All came to watch the spectacle as brave warriors took on beasts with their bare hands. Guns weren't permitted in the pits and man had to overcome beast with his own strength. They also had to overcome one another. Rarely were there ever real deaths in the arenas. Usually when an opponent was beaten he would simply lose, living to fight another day. But this year many criminals were conscripted for the fights against trained and deadly warriors.
It was here, in the stands of the great wooden pits, that Clarke sat, her head leaned on her palm. Being the only heir to the Griffin family, and finally sixteen, Clarke represented her family at the games. She presented her champions and gifts to the people of the city and sat, unamused, by the fighting and brutality of the games at hand.
"Clarke," came her mother's voice and she looked over to see Abby, a soft smile on her face. Behind that smile Clarke knew she was being serious. "Don't look so bored; people are watching."
Clarke only sighed, sitting up straight and attentively watching the fights, making sure to cheer and clap when she had to. Her father, Jacob, was speaking with the rest of the council members in the box that housed only the truly privileged citizens. He, and the other five clan heads, spoke amongst each other as battles and games ensued. Clarke wished she didn't have to be here. She didn't mind blood or violence; being a trainee in the medical program her mother headed was a dream of hers. She just hated the idea of performing these mandatory duties.
This year her father had told her that she would be representing the Griffin family this Unity Day, performing her first public functions. She was kind of excited at first because she always knew that one day her father would give her the responsibilities she was entitled to but at the same time she hated the monotony of it. It was almost intolerable to watch man after man, beast after beast, fighting in the pits.
She may have belonged to the most well respected family in Arkadia but she had her limits when it came to public duties. She didn't even expect to enjoy her role in the Arkadian hierarchy, even when she was a child learning the important history of their people and the world. It wasn't as if she didn't care, it was just so restrictive. She never cared for history and she cared less for outdated traditions, despite her father's insistence. Old habits die hard and the tradition of marriage before ascendance had always been a part of her family history. She hated that idea ever since her mother introduced her to it at the young age of nine.
Clarke knew to ascend to the head of the Griffin family, she must find herself a worthy husband. This was a tradition she hated but at the same time appreciated. She understood the security and power in allying with strong families. She understood how the noble families kept the commoners in order and the law in check but she couldn't understand the need for her to choose a suitor before her father would teach her. She thought it foolish to choose a man to love before she gained any real power because power, as her history teacher liked to remind the class, changes people.
"Clarke," her mother said again and this time Clarke turned in her chair to look at her.
"Mother?" she asked, her eyes searching the older woman's face. "What is it?"
"This is the last round before the noon break. We must meet your father," she nodded, looking up at the councilors box where he moved to stand. Clarke watched as her father spoke briefly to a darker skinned man with black and brown curls before turning to the match. The man in the arena was holding the head of one of the large cats, screaming at the crowd who cheered him on.
"Well done!" Jake's voice rang out over the yelling crowd. Some people shushed others and some fell silent immediately. "Well done! You've fought bravely Finn Collins!"
The boy in the arena nodded at Jake, pulled his helmet from his head, and smiled. Clarke immediately applauded for her best friend's boyfriend, looking over to see if she could spot Raven.
"Thank you, Councilor Griffin, !" he called waving as the crowd cheered the name Collins.
The crowd cheered a little louder before Jake waved for them to be silent. "Let us enjoy a brief intermission from the gladiatorial games! Remember to place your bets for the championship fight tonight, at sunset!"
The crowd erupted again and the boy in the pit only bowed, turning to leave the ring. Jake waved to the crowd again before turning the other council members, speaking quickly.
"Come, Clarke," Abby said, grabbing her daughters elbow and guiding her down the stairs behind them. They had been seated in the family boxes next to the pulvinus and had a quick exit from the small, but flooded, arena. Once they descended the stairs and stepped out from the shade of the bleachers and seats, Abby pulled her aside, straightening Clarke's hair with her nimble fingers.
"Mom," she sighed, standing still as her mother primped. "What are you doing?"
"Come," she said, pulling her along after a few moments of fixing her own hair and outfit. "Your father is expecting us to meet him and there is a good chance you'll meet Kayden Blake." Clarke could only nod as she followed her mother, people parting way for them to pass. Their family was noble and well-known so Clarke thought it not only normal but expected it; she also thought that the large guards in front of them helped. She soon spotted her father's tall blonde head sticking out of the crowd in front of them and she immediately quickened her pace, leaving her mother struggling to keep up. She reached him in a few strides and quickly wrapped her arms around his elbow.
Surprised by the gesture Jake looked down and smiled once he'd realized who it was. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before turning back to the same man with tanned skin and curly black and brown hair. "Listen, Kayden, I understand the urgency but for right now I am going to retire to my home with my family. We'll talk over it later this afternoon during the gladiator matches, alright?"
The man, who's dark brown eyes were full of surprise, only nodded, smiling down at Clarke tightly.
"Clarke," he said, extending his hand. She took it slowly and he kissed the top before turning to Abby, who had finally caught up and wrapped her arms around Jake's other elbow. Kayden mirrored the gesture and then nodded at Jake, turning with his own retinue toward a large car. Clarke could see him stop briefly when a teenage boy with the same tanned skin and dark hair came out from the arena, his face covered in blood and his armor still fresh.
"Was that Kayden Blake?" Clarke asked, looking up at her father who was whispering softly to Abby.
"That was councilman Kayden Blake," her father smirked. "He's a very serious man, isn't he?" Jake stuck his tongue out and Clarke couldn't help but grin.
"Looks like his son did compete today," Abby pipped up, motioning to the boy who was talking quickly with Kayden.
"The young man has a talent and he's not stupid like the others," Jake smiled. "Gives me hope for the future, how about you?"
Abby just swatted his arm, rolling her eyes. There was bad blood between the Griffin's and the Blake's. Both of their families held control over the two political factions in Arkadia and have fought, since the descent from the Ark, to maintain their control. Clarke couldn't help but mull this over as she watched the boy smile and speak with his father.
It almost looked odd, seeing a Blake with a smile on his face and earnest emotions in his eyes. Being stuck in the same academy with Blake students during her early school years left her bitter toward the rivalry. She saw no problems with the siblings but never really spoke to them.
"Come now, beautiful ladies," Jake said, leading them both to a rover. The council families were the only ones that got special privilege with the limited number of vehicles produced over the past 100 years. Most of them were used in warfare but a few remained within the city for diplomatic use. As the driver took them up the narrow roads, people parting the way, Clarke couldn't help but let her mind wander.
The day was supposed to be a fun one, her first ever Unity Day Celebration as a woman of Arkadia but so far, it was bland and boring. She wondered if all the families felt this way, if the teens her age were sick and tired of the conformity and outdated traditions. She also wondered if perhaps her father had bigger plans for her other than marriage.
"Clarke," her father's voice broke her thoughts. "Hello, Clarke?"
"Sorry dad," she sighed, turning to him. "Just thinking…"
"Must have been some important thoughts," he joked, stroking his short golden beard. "What's on your mind?"
"Do I really have to choose a husband before I can work with you at the Embassy?" she asked, the blunt distaste dripping from her tongue.
"I see you're still opposed to it," he laughed, looking down at Abby.
"Is that how you two got together?" Clarke asked, looking between them. "Did you need a bride before you were apprenticed?"
"Yes, I did," he nodded, not breaking eye contact with Abby. "Luckily, I knew just the girl."
Clarke swore she saw a blush on her mom's cheek and turned away, almost embarrassed by their romance. After a few moments of laughter and a kiss, Jacob turned back to Clarke, his face puzzled. He knew when his daughter was conflicted and right now, she practically radiated uncertainty.
"Clarke," he said, squeezing her hand that was resting on her knee. "Does it bother you that much?"
"Yes, and no…" she shrugged, looking at the tall buildings they passed by, the simple people out enjoying the sunny festival activities and food. "I understand it is important. By allying ourselves with a respectable family and producing children it keeps Arkadia safe and secure in the hands of stable leaders. I understand the importance of the tradition when it comes to protecting our borders and maintaining an alliance with the coalition and with the other families. What I don't understand is why I have to choose the man I am going to marry before you allow me to work with you?"
Jake only grinned down at her as she spoke, nodding in understanding before leaning back in the seat, wrapping both his arms over Clarke and Abby's shoulders.
"Ah, my smart and independent girls," he sighed. He chuckled when Abby rolled her eyes and took Clarke's hand.
"Clarke, it is important that our family, our allies, and our enemies know that we remain strong," she pressed. "The only sure way to do that is to show them that our heir respects tradition and the production of more heirs. I went through it when I met your father and you must endure it now." She then glanced up at Jake, a defiant look in her eyes. "However, I don't support these kinds of arrangements at your age. I think we should wait another year to start looking for a proper match."
"That still doesn't explain why I can't just apprentice with father until I find a suitor…"
"No one is suggesting that you make a hasty decision," Jake interrupted, seeing the indignation in Abby's face. "I understand that the heart is a fickle and powerful thing. I understand your reluctance to choose someone based on their familial pedigree and breeding qualities. I get it… but you must understand that it isn't just about your happiness or mine. It isn't even about our family's position at this point. It is about strong leadership and good decisions."
"I understand duty, father," Clarke pressed, becoming annoyed. "But why should duty overrule my heart? Don't I have a duty to my heart?"
"Yes, you do," he replied, squeezing her hand again. "And in the future, when your heart is full of love for beautiful children and a loving husband, you will think back on this day and laugh at how stubborn you really are."
"Dad," she groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Children could be ten years down the line for all you know."
"You better hope not," her mother interjected. "It is much harder for an older woman to give birth, even with our more modern technology. You know this."
"I know," Clarke snapped back, leaning against the wall of the car. "I understand the need for Griffin heirs, I'm just not happy with being forced to choose right away. It doesn't seem fair."
"There is a reason we have this system, Clarke," her father said, his voice becoming stern. "In the early days, it was chaos and anarchy, civil war and attacks from grounders. Without the families coming together to rally the commoners, to give them purpose, Arkadia would not exist. The whims and wishes of the sons and daughters mean little in the grand plan of our civilization. And we're still in the early days of our nation compared to the thousands of years that came before us."
Clarke felt annoyed and defeated after her father had lectured her. She didn't need the history lesson and she didn't need a reminder of her duties. She needed her parents to understand that she was afraid and hesitant to choose a husband. This didn't really matter to her father at that point; he just wanted to win the argument.
"I was hoping you'd get to meet Bellamy Blake today, before the masquerade," her father admitted. "I think he has a lot of potential. He's been working at the embassy and court house for over a year now. Smart as a whip…"
"I can't believe you're both entertaining the idea of a Blake match," Clarke interrupted, looking between the two of them.
"It's a powerful and ideal match," her mother replied, glancing up at Jake for support.
"Your mother thinks it is possible but I'm not about to give my only daughter to a Blake, no matter how smart he is. Just because an animal has opposable thumbs, doesn't-."
"Jake!" her mother hissed, glancing up at him again. "I think we need to be open to all possibilities. And your distrust of the Blake family isn't doing us any good."
"Keeping them at a distance is the safest place for them," Jake nodded, kissing Abby's forehead. "Besides, do you know what that kind of match would look like to the people?"
Clarke was silent the rest of the way home, listening to her mother and father talk about the Blake family and their history. She was relieved to see the large iron and stone gates coming into view as they approached their family home. If there was one thing she loved about being a Griffin, it was their home. It sat atop the hill that the Ark had originally fallen on to, the structure's few pieces towering over their grounds. Clarke liked staring up at it every night and she loved imagining what it would have been like on the Ark when it was in orbit.
When the car stopped inside the gate at the archway that lead into the main part of the house, Clarke rushed out of her seat. She didn't bother turning back to acknowledge her mother's calls to be ready in an hour to depart for the arena nor did she turn to listen to her father's plans for the rest of their night. She just wanted a little bit of freedom right now. She strolled through the stone archway, into the atrium that surrounded a large open garden beyond the main entrance, and marveled at the spring flowers that were blooming. They were white, yellow, and purple and reminded her of her favorite painting at the gallery.
As she stood there admiring the flowers she felt serene, as if nothing could go wrong. The gardens and the villa always made her feel this way and when she finally left the garden to eat her lunch, in her private rooms, she was relieved to see that her parents weren't waiting for her. She didn't need them looking over her shoulder or bothering her with expectation. Right now, she needed a good meal and a relaxing drink. The rest of the day was going to be more of the same and she just couldn't wait for the masquerade that night. It had been months since she'd seen her best friends, Wells and Raven, and she looked forward to hosting them tonight.
"Bellamy!" came the familiar voice and he immediately turned around see his little sister, Octavia, barreling toward him. Her pale-yellow dress and wide green eyes were a breathtaking sight as her shoeless feet pattered toward him. Octavia, who was seven years younger than him, was the one person in the world he loved above everyone else. His father, who was a hard-ass, loved to spoil her and always had a smile on his face when the girl was around.
She was only ten years old and her eleventh birthday was only a couple of weeks away. She slammed into him now, greeting him in the foyer of their large home. He wrapped his arms around the petite girl with long and wavy brown hair, lifting her into his arms with a laugh.
"How are you today, O?" he asked, gazing into her eyes excited eyes when she pulled back.
"Octavia," their mother called, coming out from the ballroom of their chateau, a grin on her face. "Your dress will be ruined now with all that blood on it. Bellamy, you should have cleaned up first!"
"I'm sorry mother," Bellamy said, setting a jealous Octavia down as he reached a hand out to take Aurora's hand. He kissed her cheeks gently before turning back to Octavia, looking down at her mischievous grin. "But I won!"
Octavia had a large smile on her face and that delighted Bellamy to no end. She loved hearing about his victories in the arena and on the training field and he couldn't wait to tell her about this one.
"There's my beautiful girls," Kayden said coming into the room, discarding his long cloak. He held out his arms and Octavia came running to them, laughing when he picked her up and spun her around. "How has your day been my sweet girl?"
"Mom taught me how to sew a dress," she smiled. "And I also learned how to cook a pie!"
"Pie!" the older man laughed, looking at Aurora. "Why don't we have some pie with lunch then?"
"Can we?" Octavia asked, looking between her parents expectantly. Bellamy couldn't help but grin at her excited face as he slipped off his blood-stained leather armor. He set it on the floor and a maid came up to take the rest of his items for him.
"Why not? But first I must talk to Bellamy, alright? Wait for me in the gardens and we'll enjoy a picnic," Kayden said, setting Octavia on her feet before turning to Bellamy.
"Come now Octavia," Aurora said, smiling at her son. "Let's go get a picnic ready."
After the two women left, their voices disappearing into the depths of the large mansion, Kayden nodded to Bellamy to follow him. He did so in silence, walking through their entryway and onto the stairwell that lead to the second floor. Once there they skirted the large balcony overlooking the foyer and went into his father's private office. Stacks of books, paperwork, and a computer lined the desk and walls. Bellamy wasn't sure he'd ever seen the room so disorganized.
Truth be told, Bellamy always knew his father to be a stoic, collected, and thoughtful man but this office proved different. He was almost surprised by how nice his father was today. He knew his father was a loving man but sometimes he could be a real dictator and Bellamy had learned, from a young age, to placate his father in every way possible. He also learned that his father didn't put up with stupidity or rash decisions which Bellamy frequently avoided. He was a smart kid, finishing the top of most of his classes at the military academy. He also was proud of his charmingly dark and rugged good looks, a trait the Blake's had all shared.
"We've got a problem," Kayden said, shutting the wooden door behind him. His father crossed the room, opened a drawer, and removed two glasses. He then moved aside some paperwork and poured a clear liquid into each glass, motioning for Bellamy to take one. Bellamy immediately felt suspicious: his father always had a drink before he did something rash or dangerous.
"It seems that the Green girl has already agreed to marry one of McIntyre's boys," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose after downing the drink. "So, we're back to square one when it comes to a suitable bride."
"Well," Bellamy shrugged, smirking at his father before downing the bitter liquid, a rush of warmth filling him. "Maybe that is the universe telling you it just isn't time."
"No, it's the universe telling me that we needed a better match," he shot at him, sitting in the chair behind the desk. "You can't be a bachelor forever Bellamy. You'll be eighteen this year. It is time you chose a bride."
"We've already exhausted our options," Bellamy shrugged again, this time moving to the window to sit on the edge of it and look down into the street. "What family do you recommend? The McIntyre family's other daughter is the same age as Octavia and the Green's last remaining unwed woman is about to be thirty."
"It's not a pleasant situation," his father groaned, pouring some more liquid into the glass. "A quick match and suitable alliance could be our only viable move. Phoebe Green is not that old though; if you could get her pregnant as soon as possible, it might just be the perfect alliance."
"Dad," Bellamy groaned, looking back at him with a squared jaw. "I am not going to marry someone who already has kids that are only a few years younger than Octavia. I can't be step-dad Bellamy."
"Her husband was a brave man, and one of our kin," he shot back, becoming irritated. "They're your family already."
Bellamy hated being pushed into finding a bride. It was almost as irritating as his father's constant history lessons. They weren't really lessons to Bellamy; just another way for his father to make his point and get his way. That wasn't a surprise but he also felt irritated that the need for a bride was even relevant. He was barely eighteen and had been helping manage his father's business for well over a year. Bellamy didn't understand the point of choosing a bride so soon, especially when he was just learning to stand on his own two feet.
"What about another family? Isn't there someone else that would do?" Bellamy asked, trying to change the subject. He didn't want to marry his cousin's widow.
"The Murphy's have always been one of our closest allies," Kayden reasoned, thinking out loud. "It would make an excellent match if you were to wed their daughter. They're wealthy and own a lot of farm land as well as a dedicated personal militia."
"Jon's sister?" Bellamy laughed, thinking of his best friend's tough little sister. "She's only fourteen."
"We may have to wait a couple of years for the actual wedding," Kayden mulled, finishing his second drink. "But it could be manageable."
"She's like a sister to me," Bellamy sighed, setting his glass down. "Is this what we've come to? Parlaying marriage alliances from lesser families?"
"Watch your tone," his father warned, eyeing his son. In that moment, Kayden was faced with a mirror image of his younger self.
"All I'm saying is that we should be flaunting our position," Bellamy encouraged. "I'm the most eligible bachelor in Arkadia. Why not use this to our advantage to ensure a decent marriage proposal?"
"And why would we let the other families choose the bride for us?" Kayden asked, his eyebrows raised. "Haven't you been a bachelor long enough?"
"Think about it father," Bellamy smirked, coming to stand across from him. "When they see I have yet to choose a bride, it will make them nervous. We've made it quite clear that we would consider foreign marriage prospects and that puts everyone in Arkadia on edge. The wounds of the civil war run deep and the other families would be threatened by the support a foreign alliance would bring."
"The insinuation of a foreign bride would send Griffin over the edge," Kayden smirked, thinking of his long-time rival. "It would certainly put them in their place."
"And while they're arguing amongst themselves on how to interfere with our plans, we can take our time and choose the most advantageous match" Bellamy nodded, looking back out the window. "If we can confuse them and make them fear a foreign alliance, they would have to respond with a suitable match. Octavian Augustus married his own sister to his fiercest rival Marc Antony. Perhaps we can employ the same tactic when it comes to my situation."
"Octavia is too young to marry," his father scoffed, looking out the window. "And your mother would kill me in my sleep if I married her off so young."
"Not Octavia," Bellamy said, shaking his head at the fear that flashed in his father's eyes. It didn't happen often but he recognized it instantly; Bellamy wouldn't dare cross his mother over the future of her only baby girl. "While we're entertaining the possibility of a foreign bride, Griffin must think on his feet. He'll have to propose a worthy alternative and the only eligible woman that they have is his own daughter."
Kayden was frozen, mulling over Bellamy's idea with both distaste and admiration. The young man before him wasn't the same child he'd sent to the military academy four years ago. Bellamy could see the unshed tears that started to form and it made Bellamy smile even wider, turning completely from the window. Kayden then stood, crossing the room to Bellamy and wrapping an arm around him. It was a quiet moment between the two normally stoic men and Bellamy could have sworn his father had a genuine smile on his face that was only meant for him.
"You're a genius my boy," Kayden finally nodded, taking a step back. "By putting the word out that we're considering a foreign bride, it increases your eligibility. It also increases the pressure on Griffin and his faction to offer a counter-marriage to prevent someone like Azgeda or the Lake People from taking advantage. It will also allow us to rush Jacob's plans along so that way he must find a bridegroom for his own daughter without even knowing that we'd made the decision for him. He'd be doing exactly as we want…"
"Then I think we have our answer. This kind of plan could completely upend the balance that the council has; it could mean the complete disappearance of the Griffin name," Bellamy reasoned, looking back out the window. "There is a very slim chance that this will fall in our favor."
"If we cannot broker their alliance, we do have other options. Azgeda has been sending delegations and ambassadors to Arkadia more frequently. A marriage into their royal family would be beyond advantageous for our colleagues. There are three royal children and I am told two of them are princesses."
"We can consider this option more in depth later," Bellamy nodded, motioning for his father to follow him. "Now let's go enjoy that picnic before we have to deal with the council and the rest of the arena crowds today."
"The day is far from over my son," he chuckled, placing a hand on Bellamy's shoulder. "The masquerade is also tonight and for the first time, you'll get to meet the Griffin family and see their villa up close and personal."
"I had almost forgotten," Bellamy groaned, regretting the small amount of sleep he had gotten the night before. He was thoroughly distracted by a delightful redhead named Monroe.
Bellamy sat in the family box next to his mother, her eyes firmly on the pit below where the sand was being spread. The stands were starting to fill back up as the mid-day sun sunk into the western sky. It was well into midday, the hottest part of the day, and Bellamy was eager to get the fights started. The main event and highlight of the Unity Day celebration wasn't until sunset so he was eager to get the smaller fights over with. Though the executions had taken place during the midday break, there were still a few larger criminals the council had to deal with.
Bellamy yawned as the sun moved over head. It was when the crowd started getting restless that he looked about, noticing his mother was talking to Mrs. Green. Both women were looking over the pit with mild interest, talking together and waving at family friends. Bellamy then noticed that his friend Monty was making his way down the stairs toward him, dressed for the occasion as Bellamy was. They were both wearing the usual black slacks and dark leather vest over a simple white shirt. He spotted Bellamy and waved, moving to sit with him in the cushioned chairs of the bleachers.
"Hey, I missed you last night," Monty laughed, pushing his sunglasses down his nose to peer at Bellamy. "You disappeared pretty early from our little party and so did Monroe."
"What can I say?" Bellamy grinned. "I like to fuck before I fight."
"Well, you missed the opium Jasper and I had," he nodded, leaning back in the chair. "Harper, Murphy, Kat, and Jasper were all pretty lit."
"That sounds entertaining," Bellamy laughed, pulling out his own sunglasses and leaning back in the seat with Monty. He could see the box starting to fill as more and more noble relatives and families appeared. Bellamy, from behind his sunglasses, was watching a group of girls staring at him and Monty. Monty pretended not to notice but Bellamy didn't mind the attentions of the adorable brunettes in the stands. At one point, he couldn't help but push his glasses down and peer over at them curiously.
He could see their blushing and giddy whispers as he pushed the glasses back up and looked over the pit. They were finally starting the proceedings as the game master came out of the gates. He would wait to announce the opponents and speak to the crowd about the upcoming matches. Usually no one listened; they'd talked amongst themselves until the council members all showed and the executions began. Jasper, who'd came out of nowhere, plopped down next to them, a grimace twitching his dark goatee.
"Hello friends," he smirked, leaning back in the chair to mimic them. "Isn't it ridiculous how uniform we have to look in these traditional outfits? It's just wrong; the women get to choose their formal attire for the games, why can't we?
"Harper isn't happy about being forced into a dress," Monty smirked. "She looks great though…" All three boys looked back up the stands at Harper. She had a simple lilac dress on, her hair pulled back messily, and her face stern. Monty chuckled at this and turned back around, looking at the pit. "It's tradition; presenting our best for the crowds."
"Care for some moonshine?" Jasper asked,
"Always," Monty nodded, holding out his hand. Jasper handed him a large flask and Monty took a good gulp, offering some to Bellamy. After passing around the flask for a few moments, Jasper slapped his hand over Monty's chest, staring wondrously at something to their left.
"I think I like the formality of this tradition," Jasper commented and Monty turned his head to look at what Jasper was interested in. Bellamy's eyes followed suit, looking over to the adjoining box used for other noble families and their relation. Bellamy knew what they were staring at almost instantly. Everyone was staring, at least those who weren't already distracted by conversation. There, standing in the front row dressed in a long and aqua blue tunic and black leggings was a stunning blonde, her bright blue eyes reflecting the outfit. Her face was round and her chin cutely dimpled, accenting the small beauty mark on her upper lip. She sat slowly, her body language reflecting her discomfort with the arena about her.
"So, that's why we were waiting," Monty said, his voice bitter. "Griffin and his family just showed up."
"That's who it is?" Jasper smirked, whistling softly. "That's the heiress?"
"I remember her," Monty nodded. "Academy, nine years ago."
"No way, that's her? That annoyingly sassy know-it-all?" Jasper smirked, leaning back in his chair again as the crowd around them cheered and screamed for the last of the executions to begin.
"Citizens!" came a familiar voice from the councilor's box. Bellamy's father had the honor of passing judgement that afternoon. "I present to you four criminals who have been found guilty of terrible crimes. Murder, arson, and treason, by the law of the council, are all punishable offenses. The sentence is death et gladium!"
The crowd cheered and booed, throwing random objects at the four men on the arena floor. Then, one of the side gates to the arena opened and out walked two men, dressed in leather armor and equipped with curved swords. They waved to the crowd and approached the four men, still strung together via ropes. They cut the ropes at that point and the crowd went silent, waiting for the council to give their signal.
It was quick, almost predictable. Kayden remained standing, looking over the crowd one more time before waving hand, signaling that the two warriors in the arena could begin. The one man tried to run, turning from the rest toward the far side of the arena but he quickly lost a leg and then a head. The other three desperately tried to overwhelm the remaining gladiator but fell victim to his curved blade. The crowd erupted with cheers and groans as the blood caked the sand. It was then that Bellamy caught a glimpse of Clarke's face. It was full of pity, distaste, and disinterest.
Bellamy thought over the blonde, his eyes straying to her every so often to take in her reactions during the rest of the afternoon games. She eventually lost her façade, tightly held for a few rounds before she slacked into utter boredom, her eyes straying to the clouds. Bellamy couldn't help but grin at the way she bit her bottom lip or came back to her senses long enough to search around for anyone who may have been watching.
It was when she looked over to her right, and spotted Bellamy's turned shoulders and interested eyes that she froze, turning from him immediately and facing toward the games in front of her. Bellamy was stunned to see her maintain her façade throughout the rest of the afternoon. Only once, when the woman sitting next to her gained her attention, did the princess break her steely gaze.
"She's out of your league, my friend," Jasper said, gaining Bellamy's attention. "I've never once seen her on a date nor in the company of men like us. You're out of your element."
"She's a beauty," Monty shrugged, looking back down at the small screen he held in his hand. He was a wiz with computers and coding so he was constantly working on some sort of problem and various interest Bellamy couldn't possibly understand. If it weren't for his friends and Harper, Monty would never leave his desk. "If you're into air-headed blondes," Monty finished, wrinkling his nose.
"She's a pain the ass too," Jasper smirked. "She was always such a good student in school, the girl who took charge of the class before the teacher even had a moment to speak."
"I remember," Monty nodded. "Do you remember when we were seven and she convinced the teacher to change the lesson plan to include the civil war medics?"
"She sounds like she needs a good lay," Bellamy shrugged, looking over the obviously high strung girl he was so enamored with. "She doesn't seem interested in the games."
"She wouldn't be," Monty nodded. "I've seen her at the hospital working as an intern under her mother. Abby Griffin is the head surgeon as part of the trauma and emergency unit."
"So she's smart," Jasper grinned. "I like them nerdy…"
As Jasper and Monty went on, speaking to one another about random girls, the games, and the masquerade to come, Bellamy focused on the warriors in the ring. The final match was coming up next and the fighter in the current match was exceptionally good. The thin but quick man dodged the swing of the sword with grace, his feet almost floating around his opponent who was taller and just as limber.
The fight was quite engaging as the two men grunted and swung. The crowd was wild, cheering on the men with unquenchable thirst. The larger man blocked with his shield and the smaller pivoted, landing a blow to the other's side. Side-stepping the smaller man, the brute brought his sword down on his quicker opponent's shield, the splintering sound of wood echoing throughout the arena. There was a quick movement of a sword that clanged to the ground when the smaller man dropped it, opening himself up for a counter. He quickly plowed into the larger man's legs, lifting him slightly before the swing of the unsteady man's sword tore a gash across the smaller man's shoulder. It was a great plan to get the larger opponent off his feet but Bellamy doubted it was planned at all.
The smaller man quickly used his fists, one meeting the ribs and the other meeting the squared jaw of his opponent. This sent him into a stupor which allowed the smaller opponent to dislodge the weapon from his attacker. Now, fighting fist and fist, the two men dodged around one another, swinging with full force. The blood sprayed over the ground and their mouths were soon covered in it. It was only when the smaller man made his desperate move to sweep his opponents feet from under him, did he gain the upper hand. He straddled the larger man's chest and began to pound his fist into the disoriented man's skull.
After a few cheers and screams from the audience, the crowd silenced. The smaller man took his que to stop, backing off the bruised and bloodied heap on the ground. It was then that a familiar voice echoed over the arena.
"Again, Finn Collins, you've claimed victory against an opponent this day," Jake Griffin announced, smiling down at the young warrior who was covered in blood from his cut and the beating. "We appreciate your astounding victory against the Green's champion!"
There were some cheers and sniggers, boos and guffaws but Bellamy paid no mind. The rivalry was good for the morale of the citizens, keeping them in check with their baser need to panic and become violent. Mass hysteria wasn't something he wanted to see within Arkadia. Bellamy tore himself from the fight again becoming interested in Clarke's reaction. He'd noticed that she'd been paying much more attention to this fight than she had any other that day and he was curious if it was because of the brutality or brute.
The smaller warrior had full wavy hair, his smile bright as he stared up at the main box where the councilors sat. He waved to the crowds, their cheering loud as they threw flowers and random items of clothing. It was almost hilarious to watch the commoners in such a frenzy. Bellamy sighed, stretching his legs, glancing over at Jasper with a smirk.
"Got any more moonshine? I'm not nearly drunk enough for this final match…"
"It's going to be a good one," Jasper nodded, offering Bellamy the flask. After taking a couple more drinks, he handed it back and looked over the spectacle languidly, unable to hide the tired look on his face. He felt so lazy sitting around all day in the sun and listening to the white-noise that was the cheering crowd. What he didn't expect was to look over and have blue eyes meet his. She nearly jumped when he turned toward her and she immediately looked away, again, focusing on the final match before them.
Bellamy couldn't help the smirk that came over his face at that moment. He'd caught many women staring before but this was the first time he'd been painfully aware of their judgement. The blonde girl with big blue eyes hadn't been looking at him like some sort of sexual object but almost like a piece of art. She was analyzing his movements, his facial expressions, and his reactions when he wasn't paying attention. For this he felt a little embarrassed, realizing he'd done the same to her throughout the afternoon.
When the two men who were set to fight in the final match came into the pit, there was a massive wave of cheering and screaming. The two men were equally sized, their muscles bulking under the light leather armor as they met one another. It was only after the final announcement, which Bellamy's father had the honor to give, that the match could start.
Each opponent was skilled in their weapons of choice and both were wearing contrasting colors. The man in white held a long spear and a short sword, a confident strut to his moves. The other, wearing black, wielded two swords, his speed evident in in each move as his opponent's spear missed. The yelling, cheering, and clashing of metal was electric and Bellamy couldn't help but grin. He'd enjoyed the sport, the display of skill, studying the intricacies of hand-to-hand combat. It was almost like an art form; precision, skill, and discipline were all keys to fighting and these two warriors displayed their mastery proudly.
The man in black had just been thrown to the ground, the spear slicing his bicep with an echoing roar from the crowd. He had barely managed to spring from his back and spin about, sweeping the feet from underneath the man in white. It was a fight of strength and both men were equal to the other. The blows became harder and more precise as the moments pressed on. At one point, Bellamy heard loud gasps and as one of the dual blades came too close to his opponent's neck. He couldn't help but lick his dry lips at the sight of near death; it was almost the perfect counter and Bellamy appreciated every movement. It was a great fight, the spectacle almost too short to be truly satisfying. It was when the man in black had disarmed the spear-wielder and held him at swords length that the eruption from the crowd signaled the end. They had a Unity Day Victor.
Bellamy stood with the others, clapping and enjoying victorious shouts with Jasper and Monty. Even though Monty wasn't a big fan of the games, he'd put down his hand-held long enough to appreciate the skill. Bellamy had always been amazed with the crowd's reactions to these fights and games, loving the happiness that was written on their faces. Each face was unique, each cry and smile an intricate story unfolding for everyone to see. He glanced around now, looking at all the faces around him but was puzzled by the look on one face.
Clarke's was a mix between fascination and anger; she was standing, clapping along with her mother but her facial expressions and body language suggested displeasure. She wasn't frowning but her jaw was squared and her eyes were far off, dark like a brewing storm. She was rigid as well, never once losing her poise. It was only when her eyes suddenly bounced to his that he saw the depth of the anger. She was staring right through him, a golden glow about her as blue eyes dissected brown in the sinking sunlight of the evening.
She only stood like that for a moment, long enough to catch Bellamy's awestruck face before turning back to the pit, dutifully bringing up her high walls. Bellamy was confused and that lead him to feel a twinge of frustration that scratched at his ego. Why did she look at him like that? What could she have possibly been angry about? She seemed stoic, almost disinterested in the fight but now she was radiating with anger. How could such a serene and innocent face hold so much fury and look so damn intimidating?
Bellamy shook it from his mind, looking back to the arena to find that the crowd had begun throwing flowers, ribbons, and random articles of clothing at the victor, his hand respectfully poised over his heart. Bellamy looked up at the councilor's box to see his father smiling and cheering, the rest of the richly dressed members enjoying the thunder of the crowd. It wasn't long before his father finally stood up, motioning for silence. The roaring excitement quickly turned to whispered anticipation as he spoke.
"Citizens of Arkadia!" he called, a smile on his usually thin lips. "I give you our champion! Lincoln Xander!" The crowd erupted one more time and after allowing it to die down, Kayden continued. "We have had great contest during this, our 200th Unity Day celebration! It is because of our competitive nature and our inherent skill that we Arkadians have triumphed and grown over the past 200 years. So today, in honor of all the brave and noble citizens of Arkadia, I give you yet another gift. Drink and be merry for each tavern, bar, and food establishment will be giving away free Green Dragon Moonshine, complements of the Blake family!"
The deafening cheers and screams were all echoing throughout the arena as the crowd began to get restless. Bellamy was about to get up from his seat and head for the exit when the crowd started to die down again and he looked up to spot Jacob Griffin standing next to his father, waving to the crowd.
"A grand gesture from councilman Blake!" he called over the crowd, their silence almost just as deafening as their screams. Bellamy could have sworn that he heard a pin drop. "And as a grateful member of the council, citizen of Arkadia, and a loving and devoted father, I will also give a gift! A gift some go without and a gift the Griffin family is happy to give. To your families from ours, I give the gift of food! Every such establishment serving drink will also be giving out free bread, meat, and fruit for those among us who have worked up an appetite with the day's festivities!"
Bellamy couldn't help but smirk at the cheers that erupted in favor of this gift. His father's face was that of tight civility and brewing anger but Bellamy maintained his satisfied smirk. His father had taken a bold step, commissioning the Green family to produce the drink for the crowds at a considerable cost. It seemed to be falling apart as Jake announced his own initiative to fill their belly's instead of their spirits. Bellamy wanted to laugh out loud but Monty's eyes were full of fury as he looked at Bellamy.
"What?" Bellamy asked, unable to remove the grin.
"Why are you smiling like that? Do you know how much of that moonshine we busted our asses to produce?" Monty asked, his voice low. "And for what? So Griffin can gain all of the attention, all the praise?"
"The man is clever," Bellamy sighed. "I would have done the same if I were in his position. He could either stand there empty handed before the citizens of Arkadia or he could go a step further. It's a bold but profitable gamble."
"Your sick sense of humor never ceases to amaze me Bellamy," Jasper sighed, draping an arm over his friend's shoulder. "So, are we ready to head out? I've been told that we're expected at a masquerade tonight."
"Now we're required to bask in his sunlight and pretend to enjoy it," Monty growled, clutching his handheld and walking up the stairs of the bleachers to find Harper.
"He's such a fickle friend, our Monty," Jasper cooed, watching the frustrated teen walk up the stairs. "He takes on too much at a time."
"As do we all," Bellamy shrugged, looking over the crowd which was now emptying from the stands. "Monty's a dreamer though; a hopeless romantic, and a stubborn do-gooder so he takes on the entire world's problems."
"Dreamers," Jasper laughed. "You're all so hopeless and blind to reality most of the time."
"Oh really?" Bellamy smirked, motioning at Jasper. "And you? You're just as hopeless as he is only you hide it behind jokes. You're practically a jester, Jasper." He smirked at the rhyme, looking back across the bleachers to spot that Clarke and her family had already left.
Jasper smirked back at him, his eyes full of something resembling excitement. "True, I talk of dreams," he said, his voice mimicking that of an actor, dramatically waving his hand in the air. "Which are the children of an idle brain. Begot of nothing but vain fantasy, which is as thin of substance as the air."
"You're using Shakespeare against me?" Bellamy scoffed, rolling his eyes. "That was weak Jasper."
"I'm trying to get you to focus on the night ahead; we've been officially invited to the Griffin Villa. Shouldn't you be most interested in that?"
"I think I've developed an interest," Bellamy chuckled, looking up the stairs toward the exit.
"Then let's go!"
"I fear, too early," Bellamy sighed, making Jasper look at him. "For my mind misgives some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin this fearful date with this night's revels," Bellamy recited, staring up at the exit with an odd feeling of anticipation and worry.
Jasper just applauded lazily, rolling his eyes and taking another drink of his flask. "Come on Romeo. Let's ready ourselves for this grand masquerade and perhaps, if we bachelors are lucky, we may sample the sweet delights of the Griffin's offerings." He gave Bellamy a mischievous and knowing look before moving up the stairs toward the exit. It was going to be one of those nights you just wouldn't be able to escape.
Thank you again for reading. Please, feel free to review and favorite. I also encourage you to reach out. I enjoy making new friends and getting the chance to talk with fans.