Greetings readers! Hope you enjoy this sequel. More chapters soon! Please R&R!
The morning was brisk, the first frost of the year making even the dullest of browns and grays sparkle in the sunlight. Roan was saddling his horse to ride to the northern pass, a couple hours from the capital where a large elk had been spotted grazing the morning before. The creature would have travelled some distance in the day that passed, always evading the scent of humans and predators. Roan, however, was confident that he would have that prize. It was rumored to be huge, almost ten hands high with a glorious rack of antlers.
He'd already eaten, saddled his bow, and was about to take off when a couple of surprising huntresses interrupted him.
"Are you always up this early?" Roya asked, the sleep still evident in her face. She yawned, stretching her arms above her head. "What could be so important this early in the morning?"
"I didn't expect you two here this morning," Roan commented, eyeing his mother. "Are you joining me?"
"You're the best tracker I know," Nia commented, moving to saddle her own horse. "And a morning hunt is a good opportunity for the three of us to speak without being overheard. It seems like it has been a while since I spent time with my son and daughter."
Roan groaned at this, realizing his morning hunt was about to turn into a fiasco. He hated when his mother plotted; her proposals were always hidden demands. Roya just chuckled, saddling her horse as Roan hoisted himself up. His horse was a beauty, all black with a silky black mane. It suited Roan and by the time he'd galloped about the yard, his mother and sister were saddled and mounting their own horses. He saw no point in waiting for them but his better judgement convinced him to do so. He'd hear about it later, no doubt.
"So, where are we off to?" Roya asked, catching up to him on her trotting brown horse. "What is our prize?"
"An elk in the northern pass," Roan commented, glancing over at his mother. "Are you sure you don't want a royal escort?"
"Nonsense," Nia shrugged. "I have my son and daughter with me. What other protection could I need?"
"So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" Roan asked, urging his horse forward through the gates that lead down the cliff toward the forest to the north. "It must be urgent if you both are here."
"Always suspicious," Roya chided, her eyes narrowed.
"It's about our family, more importantly, the future of our family," Nia urged, motioning at the early-risers who had gotten a glimpse of their queen as she trotted by. "Tell me, Roan, when are you going to choose a bride?"
"That's sudden," Roan scoffed, shaking his head. "I'm young, why would I settle down now?"
"Because, the potential to have heirs and the security of producing heirs is fundamental for a king," Nia scolded, glancing sideways at him. "Didn't I teach you that?"
"Yes, but I'm not king yet," Roan commented. "And when I become king, there are more pressing concerns than heirs."
"What could be more important?" she questioned, urging her horse forward down the dirt and stone path that lead to the main road north.
"Our people; feeding them, keeping them content, keeping them occupied, and bringing glory to Azgeda," Roan retorted, his voice low and serious.
"You can't achieve those things if you cannot produce an heir," Nia insisted. "And even if you could, who would lead Azgeda when you are gone?"
"I will take a bride," Roan urged, trotting a little faster. "Just not today."
The ride north was fast, spurring their horses down the dirt path at a fast pace until they came upon the fork in the road. Both led north but one took them past a military encampment, the other through the woods. Roan chose the woods, seeing as he didn't want any more people tagging along for a hunt. It had been a while for him and hunting always cleared his head. The cold morning air, the silence of pursuit, and the satisfaction of a kill were all sacred to him. It wasn't until they'd travelled some distance in silence that the relay station and trading post on the south side of the pass was visible. It was all frosted over in the morning sun, the rays turning from pink and orange to yellow, almost blinding them as they tied their horses outside the large wooden cabin. A man, close to sixty years old, came out to greet them and when he realized who it was, bowed earnestly. He had patchy fur clothes on, a scraggly black and gray beard, and wore some tattered hat that covered his ears.
"It's an honor my Queen, my prince, my princess…" he said, his eyes averted respectfully. "What can I help you with?"
"The elk that was spotted yesterday," Roan urged. "I've heard talk of it from a huntsman who came in from the northern pass yesterday morning. What do you know of it?"
"I'm the one who spotted it," the man assured, glancing up at Roan. "He was up over the west rise there, grazing on the hillside on the last of the greens before the frost."
"Have you seen him since?" Roan questioned, glancing up at the glimmering western hills overlooking the passage and the cabin.
"I heard the calls of elk and the howls of wolves last night but nothing since," he admitted. "They may have moved on."
"Thank you," Roan nodded, grabbing his bow from the saddle and strapping it over his shoulder. "Feed and water our horses. We'll be back with the prize."
"The pleasure is mine," he smiled, looking up at Nia. "It truly is an honor to serve my queen."
"You served under my grandfather, didn't you?" Nia asked, glancing over the man. "I remembered you when I first came to the capital all those years ago."
"It was an honor to serve your grandfather, your mother, and you," he nodded, bowing lower. "A noble family with strong ties to our ancestry."
"Are we going to speak all morning or hunt?" Roan asked, glancing over the three of them. "Come, we have a lot of ground to cover before we get to the top of that rise."
"Don't be so rude," Roya chimed, smiling at the elderly man. "This man deserves our respect."
Roan only rolled his eyes, irritated at the face his sister presented to others. He knew it well, seeing it from a young age. She always kept her true-self hidden, presenting herself as the respectful and tempered princess. At times, she even seemed naïve but Roan knew better than to underestimate her. She was vicious when she had to be and was a master tactician and general.
"Your brother is right," Nia shrugged, looking back up at the western rise. "We have a lot of ground to cover if we have any chance of catching our prey."
"I'm glad someone agrees," Roan shrugged, trekking off toward the tree line at the base of the large hill. After a few moments, he heard his mother and sister following, both making sure to keep quiet as they trekked, single-file, up the steep rises and slopes. It wasn't until they'd been walking for a while that the trees finally broke, revealing the smooth green hills with slate gray rocks and boulders protruding naturally. It was here Roan spotted the first track, noting the waste the animal left behind in the night. The tracks were no older than a day and Roan felt confident that the creature remained to graze on the last of the ferns and foliage on the hillside and in the forest.
"Let's skirt the forest and come up over the rise from the southeast," Nia whispered, looking at the trees above. "The wind is coming from the northwest and any hint of us will scare off our prey."
"He's headed west, toward the river. We should be able to spot him from the top," Roan nodded, motioning for Nia and Roya to follow. It wasn't often that he followed his mother's advice, but her skill was undeniable. They skirted east along the forest and then north, following the ledge until the soil became stone and loose under their feat. It was a slow climb from there, slowly gaining footing on the loose soil, jagged rocks, and sparse bushes. It wasn't until the sun was fully above the horizon, gaining height, that they crested the western peak. It overlooked the valley below where the passage north wound for miles. It also overlooked the rolling forests and hills of the north, as far as the eye could see.
Roan truly enjoyed this view, coming here quite often to hunt and to think. He preferred solitary hunts but often thought that this place was somehow sacred. To the south, over the trees and past the swamps and farmland sat the great green lakes that marked the river valley where Roan's home sat. Even this far away, the peak of the great hall could be seen over the horizon, jutting out above the pines glimmering silver.
As Roan looked about for signs of the elk, he spotted the river to the northwest, weaving through the hills. It was a shallow river but attracted a lot of wildlife so Roan hoped that he could spot his elk from here. The river was closer to the rise than the cabin, Roan's eyes scanning the horizon of rocks and ferns for the antlers. It was after a few moments that Roya nudged him, pointing toward the northern edge of the river before it cut back east. There, standing on the rocky banks of the river was the elk. The shape wasn't mistakable and Roan could clearly see the flick of his tail and the white of his chest. He couldn't have been more than 80 yards away.
"Set up the shot," Nia whispered, standing perfectly still as Roan pulled his bow off his shoulder. "This is easy."
"Quiet," Roan warned, glancing at his mother. It was only after he'd shot the bow and brought down the elk that his mother spoke again.
"Tenacity, skill, and the predatory instincts of the hunter are important for success," she commented, following Roan and Roya down the hill toward the river. Roan only sighed, glancing over his shoulder at his sister knowingly. Ever since they were children, their mother liked to teach them life lessons out of every situation they encountered. It was almost tiring, watching her circle around the point like a vulture before going for the bite.
"What are you really trying to say?" Roan asked, jumping over a low ledge onto a sloping hill. "What is the real reason you two came all this way so early in the morning? We haven't hunted together like this in over ten years."
"Just tell him so he'll stop being so grumpy," Roya joked, keeping pace with him as they came down over the banks of the old river's edge. "It's not as fun when he's grumpy."
"You two always have something up your sleeve," Roan commented. "What is it this time? More Arkadian attacks? More wars against The Commander? How about some marriage talk to warm me up to whatever it is you're going to ask me?"
"He knows us so well," Roya smirked, keeping pace as they strode toward the water's edge where the elk had fallen.
"You both know I am always looking to the future," Nia commented, watching both Roan and Roya squabble. "So, I need you to listen to what I have to say." Roya just nodded, approaching the fallen elk first, pulling the large arrow from its flesh.
"You two seem to be always plotting," Roan commented, crossing his arms and examining his kill.
"When did you become so cynical?" Roya grumbled, looking at the arrow in her hand.
"And defiant," Nia commented, squatting down to examine the kill. "Very clean. It'll be a great prize and a good amount of meat for storage."
"Let's get on with it before the wolves become curious," Roan noted, rolling up the sleeves of his jacket above his elbows. He pulled his long knife from around his waist and began cutting, Roya and Nia quietly following him until most of the meat was packed into the sacks they'd brought, the head tied with Roan's extra shirt over his shoulder like a pack.
"A family that skins together, wins together," Roya commented, a cheesy grin on her face as they began trekking back up the hill toward the peak. It would be a faster walk back but the extra weight Roan was carrying made him slower than before. After they'd come over the rise and could spot the cabin down in the valley, Nia turned to Roan, stopping him in his tracks.
"We need to talk," she insisted, glancing around. "At least out here, I know we won't be overheard."
"Then talk," Roan insisted, setting the head and the pack down as he took a seat on one of the boulders. He adjusted his boots, watching his mother bemusedly the whole time.
"I've come up with a plan to make Arkadia bend to our will," Nia began, moving to sit down on another bolder close by. The wind was whipping but it wasn't cold, the air fully scented with pine and blood.
"Just like the other plans?" Roan asked, glancing up at Roya. "Who cares about Arkadia when our own people can't farm enough to survive the winters?"
"We cannot farm land that we do not have," Nia snapped, glaring down at him. "Arkadia was gifted some of our best farmland in the south and yet they charge us triple the price they charge the rest of the coalition."
"That's because you attempted to expel all their goods from Azgeda markets and trading posts," Roan warned. "You attacked their land. Why in the world would you want to cause problems with Arkadia again?"
"Are you saying we should bow and scrape to them to get what we need?" Roya asked, her face a mixture of distaste and disbelief.
"No but starting a war with Arkadia and by extension, The Coalition, is not the best way to go," Roan argued. "How would we fund this war? With what supplies? We barely grow enough food for our people now, let alone during war."
"Listen to what I am saying," Nia retorted, her eyes narrowed. "We wouldn't have to fight anyone if you'd consider a marriage."
"To whom? We've already spoken to The Commander about my suit for Lexa. He saw it as a half-hearted attempt at peace just like I did."
"No, we don't make that deal with The Commander," Nia insisted, her eyes alight with possibility. "I've just been informed that the Blake's of Arkadia are seeking a bride for their eldest son and heir. Another suit is needed by Jake Griffin for his heir as well."
Roan's eyes went wide at this, looking her over cautiously. "Jake Griffin has an heir?" he asked, looking over at Roya for confirmation.
"She made her first public appearance three years ago at her birthday and then again just the other day at the Arkadian games," Roya nodded. "My spies confirmed a golden-haired teen seated with Abby Griffin."
"How did we not know about her before?" Roan asked, glaring at his mother.
"I've known about her for years," Nia confirmed, watching the irritation in Roan's face. She dismissed it, continuing so as not to be interrupted. "Years ago, I sent Jake Griffin a proposal that his only daughter marry my only son. Gifts were exchanged, official agreements were made and an engagement was planned. Now, it seems that something has changed. This heiress is seeking an Arkadian for a suit and that is dangerous for all of us…"
"Wait," Roan sighed, leaning his elbows on his knees. "You're telling me both Blake and Griffin are seeking marriages for their teenage heirs? And you've already promised me to some heiress?"
"She's a doctor, very skilled and very ambitious. She's also trying to find a match with an Arkadian," Roya reiterated, crossing her arms over her chest. "We've found enough information on her to know she just turned sixteen. We're gathering more intel but that's not the biggest issue."
"What is, then?" Roan asked, standing again, slinging the packs over his shoulders.
"It's Kayden Blake," Nia confirmed, explaining as they walked cautiously down the hill toward the tree line. "He's specially requested that we consider Bellamy as a suit for Roya."
"He's got some balls," Roan commented, glancing over at Roya who was grinning sheepishly. "And you're okay with this?"
"I don't like it but we've actually come up with a better idea," Roya admitted. "We use the summit coming up in a few weeks to infiltrate them and kidnap this Griffin heiress."
"Oh," he laughed, looking back at his mother doubtfully. "That sounds easy," he commented, the sarcasm lingering between them.
"It will be if we use the pretext of the summit and use the Blake's suit for Roya as a cover for our real reason for being there," Nia nodded. "Blake will think he's double-crossing Griffin and Griffin will blame Blake for going behind his back. Forcing this heiress to come here, to cut her off from any Arkadian match, is the next logical step. If she won't come of her own free will..."
"Once they start fighting amongst themselves, they will be easy to persuade," Roya nodded. "Think about it: the future Queen of Azgeda is an Arkadian heiress. This agreement will be beneficial for both parties."
"Even if you could get her out of Arkadia and back here, there is no way to get The Commander on board with this," Roan commented, glaring down at her. "We cannot sustain attacks against Arkadia and The Coalition, even with our alliance to the Lake People."
"We wouldn't have to," Nia snapped, becoming impatient. "Don't you see? This is our big chance to take the last remaining heiress of the Griffin family and get her on our side! If you wed her, it would mean the end of war between Arkadia and Azgeda. We could get our land back, annex Skaikru, and be the most powerful nation in the Coalition. Perhaps, we could even control the coalition with such a union."
"Because she's just going to submit to her kidnappers, is that it? And when The Commander demands her return? When he orders his troops into our lands, then what?" Roan questioned, looking between them.
"You sound like a coward," Roya interjected, looking up at Roan. "Our people are strong and we have the largest army in the entire coalition. The Commander would be a fool to sanction an invasion. He's already made enemies of Podakru and Ingranrona Kru..."
"Podakru are our allies but I've heard nothing about the plains riders. What makes you so confident they would turn on the coalition?"
"I've heard rumors," Roya smirked, avoiding the tree trunks as the trekked toward the cabin.
"If you're so confident why don't you marry Blake and keep me out of it," Roan groaned. "I'll choose a bride when I am good and ready."
"You don't understand, do you?" Nia asked, following him into the trees, her temper revealing itself. "If we don't make a move and she is married to an Arkadian, Azgeda will always be in danger. A united Arkadia behind one family, one leader, spells trouble for all of us. Don't you get that? They are on their way to becoming a monarchy and we've been barely able to hold them off and supply our troops. Do you really want that to be the end of it all? Is that how you want your reign to be remembered? The king who lost Azgeda?"
"I'm not the one seeking a war with Arkadia!" Roan snapped. "You two seem to think rushing into war is our only option. You seem to believe that is the only way we can win! The deception and lies only ruin the trust we've tried to build!"
"Then what is your plan?" Nia asked, keeping pace with her son as they trampled across the forest floor. "Peace? Do you want to just scrape by with gifts from our enemies? Take the more cautious road?"
"I'm a warrior," Roan spat, glaring over at his mother, his pace slowing to a stop. "I'm a future king and I will not put our people's lives at risk so easily. I will not drag them into a war they cannot win."
Nia only stared at Roan for a moment before walking on, Roya glancing at him briefly before following behind her mother. Roan knew what they were thinking, what they wanted to do. He wasn't naïve but he knew that war was a bad option for their already struggling army. He also knew that this kind of mission carried great risk that almost outweighed the reward. Why should he go after an Arkadian heiress when a more likely marriage would present itself once he was king?
The walk back to the cabin was silent and a little tense but Roan didn't care. He wasn't going to just do what his mother demanded. He'd become sick of that years ago when, on his twentieth birthday, she denied him the crown. The warchiefs and council all agreed that he was still too young and since then, talks of his ascension have become less and less commonplace. He was determined to be king and had decided that soon, his time would come. He just needed most of the council and the warchiefs on his side. However, the longer he thought about it, the more complicated it became.
He should have inherited long ago and the fact that his mother was speaking of marriage could only mean she was finally considering crowning him. He didn't think that choosing a bride meant that he would be one step closer to the throne, but it wasn't a bad step. An Arkadian bride could be both beneficial and intriguing. He'd never once spent time in Arkadia nor did he consider their way of life to be superior to his own. If anything, Azgeda would be here long before and after Arkadia. However, an Arkadian bride would bring some security with it. Peace with Arkadia and by extension, The Coalition could be just the thing Azgeda needed to pull itself together. His mother had the right idea but he wondered if the ends really justified the means.
She was insistent that this heiress wouldn't come of her own free-will which made Roan think that his mother knew more than she was letting on. He also thought it was rather sudden to finally decide that this was the right time to find a bride and crown him king. It was almost too convenient and the longer he thought about it, the more irritated he became. He couldn't see what her real motivation was, no matter what scenarios he pictured. Allying with Arkadia was brilliant but doing it in this way only caused unnecessary tension between the neighboring nations.
The approached the cabin now where the older man was working hard to herd his goats. He nodded to them in respect as they passed him to enter the small stable where their horses were saddled. Once they'd loaded the meat and the trophy onto their saddles, they were off, the sun rising higher in the sky. It wasn't yet noon but somehow Roan felt like his day had been a long one, making him feel more tired than usual. Before he could stop himself, he decided to reason with his mother, hoping to discover her true aim in this reckless plan.
"Why do you want me to seek a bride so suddenly?" Roan asked, glancing over at his mother who rode between them as they approached the military encampment at the crossroads to the west. They'd avoided it on the way out but were happy to show their faces to their troops and the commoners that joined the war-party. They'd likely boost morale riding as a family among the troops.
"Why do you think?" she snapped, glancing over at him. "Do you think I want my unmarried son inheriting the throne? I've told you before… Azgeda needs an heir."
"Pushing me to marry is an odd way of saying that it's time for me to claim my grandfather's crown," Roan commented, glancing at Roya. "And why are you so insistent on this? What do you gain?"
"Freedom, if you must know," Roya assured, sitting up straight. "Do you think I want to wed before you? Do you think I want mom on my back because you refuse to get serious? I want that freedom and invisibility; it's time you took the spotlight and lead our people. I'm tired of cleaning up your mess…"
"Selfish as usual," Roan replied, glancing over at his mother. "Does that mean you are ready to trust me with the crown?"
"Almost," she replied, looking over at him with that stern but questioning look.
"Why does it have to be an Arkadian?" Roan asked, his voice conveying the defeat he already felt. "Why are you so sure she won't come of her own free will? Why didn't you tell me about this before so I could help?"
"Keeping you in the dark ensured the best outcome," Nia explained, a slight smirk coming over her face. "If we kidnap the girl and she refuses to marry you, we can just force her into submission by threatening an invasion. She'll have to comply unless she's the selfish type in which case, the power and position should be tempting enough. If we announce your union, make it clear to both Arkadia and the Coalition that she is safe and willing to marry you, war will be avoided."
"Let's say she calls our bluff and we invade," Roan warns. "What then? We're no match for the Coalition troops or the Arkadian guns."
"There are other ways to make her submit," Roya commented, a smirk on her face. "Whether you convince her, bribe her, threaten her, or blackmail her… the outcome will be the same. She will have to agree, one way or the other."
"This is a really shaky plan," Roan admitted, his eyes darting between them. "I'm more than happy to give our people something to fight for, to give them more opportunity and wealth but if we fail, if something goes wrong, it won't just be us that die."
"Every Azgeda citizen will fight to the death," Nia assured, her head high as the troops started forming along the road, bowing and hollering for their Queen. "Look at them all, ready to die for us. They would fight the gods themselves if their King asked them to."
"You have their loyalty," Roya nodded, smiling at some of her own men, the simple and eccentric mask coming down as she waved. "You are the most well-loved general and you are their future king. Use that to your advantage and play the role you were born to."
"If the king doesn't lead," Nia said, her voice low as she nodded at the men who'd continued to line up and watch them as they passed. "He cannot expect his subordinates to follow."
"Convincing this teenage heiress to agree to a match shouldn't take you too long," Roya smirked. "That is what we are relying on. It will stall The Coalition and Arkadia long enough to conduct a ceremony and officially announce your union."
"It sounds like you both have thought long and hard about this," Roan commented, nodding at the men and riding on, the cheers behind them fading the further they went. "How long have you two been planning this kidnapping?"
"Honestly?" Roya asked, smirking at him. "I've only known about all of this for a couple weeks. I didn't think you'd agree to the plan but I'm hoping I am wrong. It is the best way to win power, land, and a relative peace for our people."
"You've set plans in motion?" Roan asked, looking between them disbelievingly.
"We will if you wish it," Nia admitted, glancing over at him curiously. "It's your choice."
"Will you be the king that fights or the king that submits?" Roya asked, her eyes narrowed on him. "I know which path I choose…."
Roan looked at her closely, his mind racing with possibilities. He didn't trust his mother or Roya but knew that their assessment was sound. Either way, the Griffin heiress will be his wife and he will become king, able to do things his way when the time comes. He'd hoped that they might be able to convince her but Roan doubted such a spoiled child would enjoy being captured and forced into marriage. He also didn't want to shy away from his sister's boldness; he would not allow her to show him up. The troops trusted him as did the generals and it was time he led his people to the future he saw for them. He only hoped that when the time came, he could be the leader that brought them prosperity and glory to their ancestors.
"Find out what you can about this heiress," Roan finally spoke, looking back at his mother. "I want to know everything about her before she arrives."
"And how will you persuade her?" Nia asked, her voice triumphant.
"Any way I can," Roan replied, looking over at Roya. "You have to convince the Blake's that you are serious about this marriage. You'll take ambassador Syd to negotiate."
"I believe we should both go to the summit," Roya admitted. "We can both use Ambassador Syd as a go-between to find out information as well as negotiate the possible marriage alliance. You can escort her to the gala to show Arkadia that you and the heiress are together and it looks better when word spreads of her disappearance. It'll be more advantageous that they see you as the future king and a reasonable man that the heiress decided to elope with. Not to mention, I could test the waters with the Blake faction. Set up a private meeting to discuss a possible marriage. I'd also like to get the measure of Bellamy Blake."
"And you can get me all the information I need about this heiress?" Roan asked, glancing at his mother. "This suit could lead to a greater Azgeda than ever before or the destruction of our people. I need to know all the facts. I also need to know why she won't readily agree to the match; kidnapping her is an extreme step."
"We'll both learn more when we are there in a couple weeks," Roya nodded, looking at her mother. "We'll set up a team and run drills to better plan an escape."
"I'm sure there are several ways to get in and out of Arkadia without being seen," Nia commented. "Find that out before you plan anything. We have two weeks to plan this and not a lot of information to work with."
"It is wise not to reveal all of our tricks just yet," Roya commented, pulling up on the reins of her horse as they descended a slight slope along the path. "They must see you as the future king and a reasonable man but you must also show them what they expect."
"What do you mean?" Roan asked, eyeing her curiously. "Show them what they expect?"
"Be reasonable, be noble, be the future king of Azgeda when you are in Arkadia," Roya explained, Nia smirking at her knowingly. "But you must also show them that their assumptions are valid. No doubt, they see you as a brute and fool so let them believe it. It only works to your advantage."
"Why would I allow them to see me as a fool?" Roan asked, disbelievingly. He didn't like the idea of a bunch of Arkadian nobles snickering and judging him behind closed doors.
"Because, they will underestimate you and that is when you will show them who you really are," Roya nodded. "They already know you are a great warrior but now you have to show them just how great. Always keep your prey on their toes, always keep them guessing."
"Have we heard word from Roya's men?" Roan asked, coming into the large hall of the palace. This had always been Roan's favorite room in the entire fortress. It was a large rectangle, with a slight platform that housed an ornate carved throne, antlers and branch-like designs woven into the arms and back. The room was tall, allowing for a gallery to overlook the main floor where four long tables sat, benches stretched on each side. Down the middle of the room, ornately sculpted, was the long fire where they would cook whole animals during feasts and festivals. The smoke collected in the roof to leak out of the small slits in the paneling. The only windows in the room were along the ceiling, just frames interlaced with woven branches and carvings to allow light to shine through.
The pillars about the room stretched to the gallery, separating the room into three sections. Though ornately carved, they were old, worn and covered in notches from knives, bows, axes, and such. Roan appreciated this little imperfection, the way the room almost commanded attention making it feel slightly over the top. There wasn't much use for the room, intimidation and festivals being the extent of it. His mother would often sit in here, on the throne, thinking which he found to be one of her redeeming qualities. She sat there now, in the same black robes she always wore, a frown on her face.
Roan was dressed in his traditional black and blue tunic with dark leather breeches and furs. His hair was tied back over his head and wet. He'd ridden hard all night with the small company of guards back to Azgeda. Their plan had worked the night before and he had arrived a couple hours before dawn.
His trip to Arkadia had not gone as smooth as he'd have liked. Their technology was fascinating and their food was more flavorful but the small beauties of Arkadia didn't compare with the heiress Roan was introduced to. Clarke Griffin was a sight to behold: golden curly locks, deep blue eyes, and curves in all the right places. For being almost five years his junior, she was absolutely stunning. She was also smarter than Roan had planned. Though he played his part as the gruff, foolish future king of Azgeda, he could tell that Clarke wasn't holding back. He also noticed that she'd already chosen the man she wanted to marry.
Though it was never said, and the looks were very subtle, he could see the yearning in the Blake boy's eyes when Roan would touch her. He could see the anger as well when he'd grabbed her more than once; he couldn't resist seeing that fury in those black eyes. He could also see the uncomfortable way Clarke trailed him that night, always trying to remain out of reach but polite. He had to hand it to her: she was a very good actress. Roan also pretended not to notice when both Clarke and Bellamy disappeared at the same time. It was obvious that they had already made their decision which cemented Roan's plan of attack.
He'd signaled his sister that night and everything went according to plan. Roan left Arkadia with his escort before anyone else could notice, Roya following behind him to wait for her troops at the designated tunnel. A few hours later, a rider had caught up to Roan at a relay post just over the border to inform him that Roya was on her way back with their prize. Roan wasn't happy that some of his men had died; he expected capture or injury but death wasn't a part of the plan. Nor were the shots that were fired off during their escape: he never planned on them being reckless enough to shoot when there was a hostage.
Now, he was home and awaiting the arrival of the woman who would marry him, become queen, and birth his children. He decided that acting ignorant and sympathetic when she got here would benefit him the most but his mother didn't seem to approve. Roan only sighed, moving closer to the ornate wooden chair she was sitting in at the head of the hall.
"Did you hear me? Have we heard anything from Roya?" He asked again, making her eyes lazily consider him.
"I did, and I haven't… she should be here soon…"
"What's the problem? Didn't we do exactly what you wanted?"
"There were witnesses," Nia sighed, glaring down at him. "The Blake boy, some of his friends, and several guards all saw her being taken. Now, the story that she left on her own, isn't valid. We can't use it as a cover which means we have to call in the banners."
"We knew this wouldn't go cleanly," Roan argued, narrowing his eyes at her. "We knew there was a potential for witnesses and we knew that if this happened, we'd have to battle it out both politically and militarily."
"I know that!" she snapped, glaring down at him from the chair. "I'm not worried about war or politics. I'm worried that this Blake child is going to interfere with our plans. Ambassador Syd said there was reason to believe that he and the Griffin heiress were close."
"Her name is Clarke," Roan corrected, making his mother grimace. "And it seems so but he wouldn't put his entire family and Arkadia at risk over the daughter of his enemy. He seemed to have some sort of brains."
"You're sure?" Nia asked. "If he turns on us, on the match with your sister, it will make our task that much more difficult."
"We should focus on Clarke," Roan insisted. "She is more paramount; we need to persuade her to see the benefits of this match. We have to convince her to commit to our plan."
"You can try and convince her if you like but if she agrees, I will trust her even less than I already do," Nia admitted. "Turning on her own people, being so reckless with her oaths, is not the kind of bride I want for my son."
"Then we should have killed Bellamy Blake," Roan insisted, his eyes narrowed. "Eliminate the threat, give Clarke no other option, and conquer their lands. It's the cleaner way to do it."
"Brute force, outright battle, is not clean," Nia warned, glaring over at him. "You spoke of avoiding war but making Bellamy Blake our enemy is the best way to get into one."
"Then we'll convince Clarke," Roan shrugged. "I saw the way she was, the way she acted when he was around. She'd do anything to protect him."
"Then that is our angle," Nia smirked, standing up. Roan turned to the stairway leading down to the dungeons when a man emerged, still in riding gear and sweating from the haste he was using. He bowed low when he spotted them and then approached, his eyes framed in dark bags.
"Roya and her company have just arrived," the man breathed, gaining his composure. "They are three men short, including Senest, the healer. They went down in battle. Also, Roya is injured as well as the Griffin woman. Stray bullets in the escape."
"Call Ontari and tell her to tend to Roya," Nia commanded, her voice full of anger. "And get that Griffin girl in a cell!"
"Oh, that's a great way to start off," Roan interrupted, gaining a look of disbelief from the messenger. "Is she fatally injured?"
"A shot through the leg," the man replied. "She tended to it herself."
"Bring her to the palace," Roan said, before his mother could interrupt. "She'll stay in my chambers."
Nia glared at him before turning back to the messenger. He averted his eyes in fear before bowing and leaving the same way he came in. Once Nia was sure he was gone she rounded on Roan, slapping him in the face angrily. Roan only stood there, jaw squared as she scowled at him.
"Don't undermine me ever again," she hissed. "Your sister is injured and those Skaikru scum are responsible for it!"
"She knew what she was getting into," Roan growled back. "And she's been through worse. Your anger is misplaced; Clarke will stay with me. It is the only way I can think of to gain her trust."
"Play your little game with her," Nia spat back, turning from him. "But if she doesn't submit, I'll make her wish she'd never been born. I'll kill everyone she loves, ending with that Blake boy. I'll make it slow and painful so she never forgets what happens when you cross Azgeda!"
"You are not Azgeda," Roan challenged, squaring his shoulders and stepping toward her. "I am the rightful King of Azgeda and once I am married, I will take my crown. If you ever hit me again, if you ever betray me, I'll kill you myself."
They locked eyes now and for an icy moment, every breath could be heard. Every muscle taught, each jaw squared defiantly. Blue eyes met one another in an angry and deadly war that was only broken when the noise of footsteps clattered through the hall. Roan immediately broke his gaze, turning to the stairway to the dungeon.
"Play along if you want any of this to work out," Roan warned, glancing at his mother. "If she doesn't trust that I don't want to harm her, this will all be for nothing." Roan then looked over at the men that were making their way up the stairs and into the room. One of them had Clarke cradled in his arms as he climbed, the girl looking positively horrified at where she was. He'd never expected to see that reaction on her face and had to admit that he enjoyed it.
It was a mixture of fear, confusion, and utter hopelessness that pleased Roan to no end. He needed her to be afraid but not of him; thankfully, his mother was already fired-up about Roya and Roan's defiance.
"So, you kidnap her?" Roan asked, his voice full of disbelief. "That will start a war."
"Not necessarily," his mother replied slowly, the tone dark and smooth. "The commander knows he doesn't have the forces or the incentive to protect Delphi and he won't risk turning the Plains Riders against him. He'll buckle and offer what little support he can to Skaikru."
"Arkadia," Roan corrected, his voice stern, a slight smirk on his face. "If one of their own is going to be my queen, I'll honor her heritage."
"Noble," Nia replied, the sarcasm evident in her voice. "A bit too sentimental but if you insist. She's your prisoner, after all."
"She's not a prisoner!" he retorted, stopping all together when the two guards and Clarke reached the hall.
Roan noted how she looked about the hall in awe for a moment before meeting his face. The look there was unmistakable: she was livid, the disgust aimed right at him. Roan wanted to challenge her, to glare back, but he thought better of it, taking a deep breath before speaking.
"I see my bride has been injured. What happened?"
"They opened fire on us as we were escaping," the man that had been carrying her spoke. "Everything went exactly as you said it would, my Queen. However, we did not plan on them firing at us with such a valuable hostage."
"I thought I'd heard gunfire as I left the city," Roan commented, locking eyes with Clarke. He could see the confusion and anger swirling in those deep pools and he could also see the disbelief in his story. "Make sure she has a comfortable bed, a warm bath, and have our healers look at that bullet wound. I'll speak with her afterward."
"I'm not some prized pet or toy you can just lock up and take care of," Clarke growled, gaining his mother's attention. "I refuse to resign myself to this fate. I won't marry you, no matter what you do to me."
"She's a feisty one," his mother smirked, moving from the throne to glare down at Clarke. "And what makes you think we need a marriage? Do you think I want some Skaikru child as the next queen of Azgeda?! We don't need a marriage, just children to inherit the Griffin name."
Roan noted the way the color drained form her face and her eyes rolled back into her head. She was going to faint and he almost scowled at his mother for being so intense. However, he was able to reach her in time as her body fell limp, holding her gently in his arms so as not to hurt her.
"She's no good to us dead," Roan ground out, glaring at his mother. He could see Clarke was losing consciousness so he called out for the servants to come help him. It wasn't long before they'd carried Clarke's unconscious body from the hall toward his chambers, Roan rounding on his mother. "Just let me handle her for now. You make sure The Coalition and Skaikru don't send their armies north. If they send an ambassador or a messenger, I want to be the first to know."
"Just get her to agree to the match," Nia replied, turning from him now. "I'll be keeping heavy guards on her until she does."
Roan only sighed as she disappeared from the hall into the adjacent corridor. No doubt she was going to see Roya and Roan almost cursed aloud at his mother. She wasn't making this any easier and Roan began to doubt that she'd have the patience for this kind of plan. He only hoped he'd be able to convince Clarke that this was the best option; though he wasn't opposed to violence, he'd never considered harming her.
He knows she didn't chose this path, that like him, she was forced to decide. What teenage girl wouldn't choose her first love over a diplomatic match? Still, he knew that this match would be the backing he needed to push his mother out of power. With a bride, and the potential to have heirs, he had all he needed to convince the council and warchiefs to crown him king. Once that happened, if Clarke wished it, he'd allow her to leave. A better, more suitable bride would come along for him if Clarke truly felt like this wasn't the right choice. Personally, he didn't care how she felt so long as he became king.
Clarke awoke with a start, her eyes darting about the room around her. It wasn't her room, or any room she recognized. In fact, she didn't recognize any of this and it frightened her to the point that she tried to spring up out of the hay mattress. It was only when that she felt the unmistakable sting in her leg that she remembered. She was a long way from home, in Azgeda. She'd been kidnapped and forced to come here by Queen Nia and anger immediately welled in her chest. Then, just as quickly as it came, it went, replaced by an overwhelming sense of dread.
Clarke observed the room again, trying to stay focused but panic was setting in. The room was quite beautiful, the walls solid wood paneling, stained dark as the ceiling came to a point above the bed. From the ceiling hung an ornate antler chandelier, the candles in it burning low, reflecting off the ceiling and walls of the room. It gave the whole room a faint glow as a candle sat on a bedside stand next to her. She hadn't immediately noticed the small, thick-glassed windows on opposite sides of the room or the low embers of the fireplace. It wasn't a large fireplace, lined with stone and a simple iron grate but it kept the drafty room warm.
Clarke could see it was getting dark out, the sun setting as the wind whipped and moaned outside the windows. She then realized that she wasn't on the ground floor. Though Arkadia had some tall buildings, most of the homes were small apartments fitted into towers to conserve space. The tallest building, the old Ark, housed most of the embassy and official departments so being this high up, in someone's home, was a sight. Even the river, which was at least two hundred yards wide, was below the tall walls of this wooden fortress.
"Glad to see you're awake," came a familiar voice and she jumped, snatching the furs of the bed closer to her. Roan was sitting in a comfortable wooden chair, watching her patiently. She wasn't sure how long he'd been there but obviously he'd been watching over her. "How do you feel? Are you hungry or thirsty?"
He had his hair tied back behind his head, his square jaw and broad nose casting shadows over his face as he watched her. He was much more intimidating than she remembered and she shrunk into the bed, trying her best to stay calm.
"I'm thirsty and hungry," she replied, keeping her voice steady. She didn't want to sound weak; Roan was a hunter and any sign of weakness was her end.
"I'll send for some food," Roan nodded, moving to an odd little ornament on a rope by the door. Her eyes went wide when he pulled on it and a compartment slid open revealing an empty box. He pulled on the ornament again and the box disappeared, falling from view. Roan could see the fascination in her eyes and smirked, nodding at the compartment. "We call it a lift."
"It's a dumbwaiter," Clarke commented, a sort of grimace forming on her face. "Humans used to use these years ago, in big houses to move objects. How did you come up with this technology?"
"My great-great grandfather built this fortress," Roan said, glancing about. "I honestly don't know how he came up with it but we've been using it for years."
Clarke just nodded now, glancing out the window as the last rays of the sun were disappearing. The room was growing steadily darker. Roan moved from the lift, standing over by her bed, a slight smile forming on his face.
"I won't pretend that we're on good terms," Roan confirmed, nodding at her. "I won't pretend like you're happy and I don't expect you to be. In fact, I honestly believe you are trying to desperately plan an escape. Let me be the first to tell you how foolish that would be."
"Why? Because I want freedom?" she responded, the irritation seeping into her voice. "Am I foolish for thinking that my kidnappers are going to hurt me?"
"No, you're foolish to waste your energy on an escape plan," Roan corrected. "Especially in your condition."
Clarke was taken aback by his words, her eyes watching him closely. When he was in Arkadia, he hadn't been nearly this talkative or noble. In fact, she remembered a perfect brute; it'd only just dawned on her that maybe that is what he wanted her to see.
"What do you really want from me?" Clarke questioned, leaning back onto the surprisingly plush pillows. "Don't beat around the bush; tell me what you are really after."
"The same thing I've been after since we met the other night," Roan affirmed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "A marriage."
"And you thought kidnapping me and holding me against my will would accomplish that?" Clarke questioned, the disbelief in her face almost comical. "Is that some sort of romance tactic here in Azgeda? Are you cavemen?"
"Cavemen?" Roan asked, his eyes going wide. "What's a "cavemen"?"
"Never mind," Clarke responded, pinching the bridge of her nose in irritation. She shouldn't have expected anything else. "Just tell me what I have to do to get home."
Just then, the rope that held the box had started to move, the weight showing up soon after laden with meats, cooked vegetables, and breads. Clarke could also see a large jug sitting on the tray. Roan stood up and reached the lift in two strides, grabbing the food and drink for her. He brought it over, set it on her lap, and sat back on the edge of the bed, watching her curiously.
"What?" she asked, grabbing the jug. She popped the wooden cork out and began drinking, not expecting the bitter taste of the ale as it slithered down her throat. She hated the heady taste of it but drank anyway, thirst taking hold until half of the jug was gone. She wiped her mouth thankfully before setting the drink down on the night stand, her eyes meeting Roans. He had an amused look on his face as he observed her, unsure if he was sincere or playing his part.
"When we had dinner, you ate very slowly, drank very little, and were very proper," he pointed. "I'm just relieved to see you aren't always like that."
"You didn't answer my question," she reminded, grabbing some bread and eating it hungrily. It was still warm and surprisingly flavorful.
"Ah," he said, nodding his head. "Well, my mother is dead-set on keeping you here until you agree to marry me. Personally, I don't think she'll allow you leave."
"And what about you?" Clarke scoffed, taking a bite of the meat, hoping it was chicken. "Do you just do what your mother says? Aren't you king?"
"Not yet, which is precisely why I can't let you leave either," Roan nodded. "You see, I can't be king without a bride. An Arkadian bride makes the most sense, considering what could be accomplished with an alliance."
"Your people hate mine," Clarke scoffed, shaking her head. "Kidnapping me and forcing me to marry you is only going to make the hatred grow."
"Not if you're willing to say that you came with us willingly," Roan suggested, a slight smirk on his face. His pale blue eyes were sparkling and Clarke wasn't sure if it was because he was amusing himself or if she was really that pathetic. "It would avoid attacks on Arkadian land from my mother as well as any assassination attempts on Bellamy Blake."
"Why would I care about that?" Clarke asked, her voice a little shriller than she'd intended. She knew she'd drawn his attention, knew she'd played right into his hands, but nevertheless, fear began to seep in.
"Because, you love Arkadia, you love your friends and family, but most importantly, you love Bellamy Blake," Roan reasoned, his voice growing more serious with every word. "I don't care who you love, to be honest. You can love Bellamy Blake and it wouldn't bother me one bit. I just need you until I am king. After that, I don't care what you do."
"Is that an offer?" Clarke asked, taking another bite of meat, hungrily munching as she listened to what he had to say.
"My mother wants you as my bride, I need a bride to become king. Once I've become king, if you still want to, you're free to go home. Free to live a life with Bellamy Blake," Roan nodded, looking out the window. "But, if I allow that to happen, you must give me your word that any alliances we form in marriage, will be held after we've separated."
Clarke considered him, entirely ready to call his bluff. No matter how violent Nia was, she wouldn't commit her troops to a slaughter. She wouldn't commit her only son, the future king of Azgeda, to the most powerful family in Arkadia after such a battle. Clarke was sure of it but what she wasn't sure of was Roan's proposal. She could see he was being truthful about wanting to be king and about his mother attempting to assassinate Bellamy. She couldn't tell if he meant what he said about allowing her to leave when the time came.
"And what if I didn't agree? What if I refused to marry you?"
"Then I'd allow my mother and sister to have their way with you until you submitted," Roan affirmed, his eyes dark. "I'd lead my men against Arkadia, kill as many innocent people as it took, until you agreed. All those men, women, and children on your conscience would probably drive you mad. You don't seem like the kind of girl to enjoy bloodshed."
"And if I took my own life," Clarke pressed, fully ready to challenge him.
"Then I'd lure Bellamy here as an exchange," Roan quipped, a satisfied smirk on his face. "I'd lure him here to marry my sister and then make him look at your dead body before driving my sword through his back."
Clarke could only glare at him, entirely put off from her food. She pushed it away and looked out the window, avoiding Roan's gaze. She was about to scream at him, to beg him to see reason, and if possible, to threaten him but she knew it wouldn't work. She could tell that more than anything, he wanted to be king and she was the only way he was going to achieve that goal.
"I don't want it to be this way," Roan admitted, making her look at him. "None of this was my plan and I had hoped you'd go along with the match. I wasn't expecting Bellamy Blake or your tenacity. In fact, I didn't expect anything more than a frightened child so believe me when I say that I don't want this. I just want to be king." He offered her the jug of ale again, motioning for her to take a drink. She did so slowly before handing it back.
"I've waited long enough to take my rightful place as king and I'm asking you to assist me," he affirmed. "Help me overthrow my mother and you'll be free to do as you please. It will also build the friendship that Arkadia and Azgeda desperately need."
"And you can promise me my freedom?" Clarke asked, her eyes narrowed. "You'll promise me Bellamy's safety?"
"I can," he smiled, stretching out his hand. "But I must admit, I had hoped for this very thing. I knew, the moment I saw you around him, that there was something between you. I also had my suspicions that it was all one-sided. That he was just using you for his own gain."
"Like you?" Clarke hissed, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Exactly," he nodded. "But I knew that you were selfless enough to allow him to be selfish. Maybe, in time, you'll have a change of heart."
"Maybe you and I should keep this relationship professional," Clarke responded, the irritation overwhelming her. Roan didn't know anything about Bellamy and the more he presumed, the angrier she became. She had been so close to marrying him, to bringing Arkadia together the moment she needed it most. Now, all Clarke wanted to do was see Bellamy one last time. To tell him how she felt before she agreed to this dangerous deception Roan had proposed.
"So, what do you say? Will you help me?"
"It doesn't seem like I have much of a choice," Clarke replied, the dull ache in her leg only masked by the light-headed feeling she was having thanks to the ale. "What do you need me to do?"
"It's simple," Roan continued, noting the tired look in her eyes. "But we can speak about it tomorrow. Rest for now and I'll come find you in the morning."
Clarke only nodded as he set the tray of food on the nightstand next to her. He bowed with a soft smile before leaving the room, Clarke immediately noticing the ominous click of the lock on the other side. Before she could talk herself out of it, she downed the rest of the ale, the grogginess overtaking her as tears began to leak from her eyes. She was almost positive that the entire situation was hopeless. If she didn't marry Roan, Nia would kill Bellamy and dozens of innocent people. If she did, she had to trust that her Azgeda husband would allow her to become free when he was crowned. If somehow all of this worked out, she'd have to hope that Bellamy still loved her enough to trust her when she returns. She knew how it would look to her people if she agreed to the match but she had very little choice in the matter. She had to fight or accept the fate she was dealt.
So, what did you think? I honestly think it sets up the setting quite beautifully. Please, feel free to leave a review and thanks for all the favorites and likes! You all are amazing.