Did not plan on writing a new story before I'd finished my previous, but i just had this idea and thought I'd go with it. At the moment I'd like to see where this goes and if people like it, I'll continue with it. Reviews are greatly appreciated as they will help me decided whether to continue or not. Please follow or favourite if you like. If you have any questions or queries don't hesitate to PM. Apologies for any grammar or spellings errors.
Thanks, hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1 -
He heard the loud echo of the horses galloping first, and then came the thunderous cries of the men. Once his eyes caught sight of the fire that danced among the burning bushes of his village he realised the sheer danger they were in.
"Hide! Mother take the twins and hide!" His voice shook with fear as he instructed his mother to crawl to the corner of their home and mask their bodies in the dark of the night. Sam looked at her face full of fear as she cradled the young children in her arms. He gave her a bold look before leaving through their home to seek out the possible danger. He decided that he could leave his siblings without a brother but not without a mother. His father had fallen at the hand of another knight during battle and now he might perish at the hands of an unidentified persecutor, but he would do so honourably if it meant his family's protection.
Everything happened in a flash. The staggered breathing of the horses was heard as they speedily dashed past him with the men upon them laughing maliciously. Sam sharply turned his head just in time to see the flamed torches fall from the grips of the knights causing the ground near him to catch alight. Sam saw as his family's home was engulfed in flames, the colours red, amber and orange flashing in his eyes. Tears fell down his cheeks as realisation hit. He'd sworn to protect his family yet he had driven them to their deaths. Their escape was impossible.
He knelt on the floor, feeling numb and without purpose. He didn't feel the shackles encase his wrist nor did he hear the demands shouted in his ear. His body felt light as he was dragged into a wagon being pulled along by two horses the colour of midnight black. Sam took once last glance at his village before bowing his head and closing his eyes as his mind drowned out the voices of the other men who sat idly beside him.
As the minutes passed, Sam peered at the landscape before him. The trees of the forest blended together in his vision as the horses paced faster towards their destination. The feeling of distraught was sinking deeper within him. His family, his home all he had ever known, gone in mere seconds. The flames continued to flash in his mind alongside the image of a blue crescent embroidered badge that symbolised his Kingdom. Sam's eyes shot open as he quickly realised that the men of his own Kingdom had done this to his people. They were not a rivalry Kingdom or a group of thieves; they were 'honourable' Knights from his own Kingdom.
He had lived in the village of Cilanyth Kingdom his entire life. The Royalist and Nobles, who lived in the center of the Kingdom, continued to experience the luxuries of life: lavish clothes, a constant source of warmth and a delicacy of foods. Nonetheless, Sam was grateful for what he did have. His village prospered due to their healthy soil and various produce. Under the Queen's rule, she allowed for the villagers to be educated and welcomed many into the Kingdom to have a competing chance with those born into privilege. Yet no such gratitude could help the feeling of hatred that seeped through him knowing he'd never see his family again.
The horses ceased their movements as the coachman pulled at his whips. Sam made no effort to move but he listened closely to the chatter of the Knights.
"Knights you must take these men to the castle's prisons ensure they remain in their shackles. Any whom you believe are causing an issue, deal with as you see fit." Sam recognised this man's voice. He had memorised the distinct laughs of the men who had issued his family their death. Sam was taken from his thoughts as he was pulled from the wagon by another Knight. "Wait. Not him. I shall bring him to the Princess' quarters at the request of her father."
Sam had never been to the prosperous area of the Kingdom where the Royalists resided but he had heard many stories from those who were lucky enough to visit. Although, it was common that many told tales that revolved around extravagant food or elegant clothes, the majority of the young men who returned spoke of one thing and one thing only. Her Royal Highness, Princess Mercedes. It was said that she had the smoothest ebony skin, the richest brown eyes, the thickest plump lips known to man and a body that rivalled all. Hence hearing he was going to be presented to her caused him to go into shock.
"I refuse father. You cannot force me into marriage I do not want!"
"Young princess you remember who it is you are talking to! You must play your part and a marriage between our Kingdom and Rhelot's will strengthen our alliance."
"They are already one of our many strong allies."
"Yes but I am not certain that they will fight with us if war commences and I must ensure that they do."
"I did not start this war why must I suffer due to your misconstrued decisions!"
"How dare you! Are you saying I am an unfit king?!"
"No father-" Her words were cut short once she felt his hand harshly slap her face. She held her cheek in shock. Her father had never struck her before, but the man before her seemed unlike her father, instead this man was driven by power and stressed at the prospect of defeat.
"You do not know what I have had to do or the lengths I have gone to in order to guarantee yours and this Kingdoms safety. Return to your quarters at once this discussion is over!"
Mercedes carefully hiked up her jet black and gold velvet medieval gown, allowing her to quickly speed towards her room as the tears cascaded down her cheeks. She threw her body onto her plush bed, drowning out her sobs into her soft pillows.
There was a light knocking on her door to which she did not respond. "Sister? Please do not cry. Father is only doing what he must." A tall male figure entered her room and sat on her bed, causing it to dip. She lifted her head towards him, her eyes red and puffy due to her tears. His untamed brown curly hair, kind brown eyes and fair-skin, caused many to question his relation to Mercedes but their love was thicker than blood.
Mercedes wiped the tears strains from her face. "Blaine, I cannot do this. I cannot live in a loveless marriage."
"But you do not know of love Mercedes." His face was passive whilst hers contorted with anger.
"And you do? Is that what you call gallivanting with all the Kingdom's women?!" Before Blaine could speak he was quickly interrupted.
"I'd say that's exactly what love is." His voice caused her to groan. "Your Royal Highness I brought you a gift." The man entered in his knighthood attire, causing him to create a disturbance with every step due to the movement of his mental body armour.
Mercedes rolled her eyes before stating in a bored tone, "Thank you for entering my quarters unannounced but since you are here, please present this gift to me Sir Brody."
"Why of course Princess." Brody stepped outside her room and then re-entered, dragging an unknown person alongside him. He gripped the arm of the person tightly before throwing him harshly towards the ground. The man bowed his head preventing Mercedes from seeing his face.
Mercedes left her bedside to walk hesitantly towards the man before her. She went to lift his chin but quickly drew back her hand. "Why so apprehensive Princess, you've felt the skin of a man before." Brody plastered on a smug smile before he punched the man in the jaw, causing him to wince in agony. "Get up peasant! Her Royal Highness wishes to address you!"
The man slowly rose up whilst he clenched his jaw. Mercedes stood in awe, he easily towered over her. But his size was only one of the features that left her speechless. The man before her was beautiful. His slightly tanned-skin, dirty short blonde locks and gorgeous emerald eyes left her entranced. "Speak your name." Mercedes spoke just above a whisper.
"Samuel Evans." Sam fell to the floor again as Brody pounded him savagely in his stomach, causing him to wheeze in pain.
Brody kneeled down to Sam's level and began to yell into his ear. "You will address your princess in the appropriate manner or I will have you locked away!"
Mercedes lifted her dress slightly to bend to their level shielding Sam from Brody's rage. "He has not caused me any harm. You do not have to hurt him." Mercedes looked at Sam battered figure and shrank as she saw the pain in his eyes.
He peered at her as he gritted his teeth, trying to mask his pain. "Samuel Evans, your Royal Highness."
"The King gave me orders regarding your marriage-"
Mercedes ran her fingers through her long curled raven locks in frustration as she started to screech. "No! Get out! You fool I want nothing to do with this marriage! He thinks he can send the halfwit Knight to convince me he should think again!"
Brody harshly grabbed Mercedes arms whispering lowly in her ear. "To that peasant you may be a princess but to me you are simply a woman who I will strike if you dare raise your voice at me again." The tension in the room was thick. Mercedes eyes met Blaine's and silently begged him to remain quiet. She didn't want Brody to hurt him, she'd let herself suffer the consequences of her protests.
Sam coughed as the pain continued to surge through his stomach causing him to spit out blood. "Blaine take this boy and get him cleaned up." Blaine swiftly draped Sam's arm over his shoulder and left Mercedes room.
Once they left Brody grabbed Mercedes by her throat and pressed her against the door. "Do you think the King would be pleased to know that his precious daughter is nothing but a whore? He gave you but a light strike when you dismissed his orders what do you think he would do knowing his daughter is no more virginal than the village prostitute."
"How dare you disrespect me like that?! I am still your Royal Highness!"
"No. You listen to me clearly. The King has giving me instructions for that young peasant to become yours. He will serve you as you see fit but he will also train you. You are too outspoken and ill-mannered to yet be a wife. In the villages women know their place yet you do not know yours. Though he is a mere simpleton it is his duty to remind you of your place. If you do not follow these rules, not only will it cost him his life but I will surely mark you better than your father did." Brody leered as he gripped her cheeks brutally, putting pressure on the swell of her cheek. "And Princess, if you think that you can confide in your father, remember I can easily cloud the pure image that he has of you."
Mercedes sighed before uttering, "How long?"
"Pardon?" His expression revealed his confusion.
"How long will you keep him imprisoned here? It's clear you took him against his will or without reward. So how long?"
"I do not have to divulge such information with you but know he is not the only prisoner that has been captured." Brody left quickly, slamming the door behind him.
Mercedes stood motionless as her thoughts encompassed her. She was quickly disturbed as Sam entered her room in only a pair of dark tight fitting trousers. "Your Highness I was told I must accommodate your room." Mercedes eyes trailed all over Sam's body. She could see he had been worked hard in his young life judging by his muscular arms and protruding abdominals. Yet she also noticed the scars that marked his skin and the recent bruises that surrounded his stomach.
"Yes that is correct." Mercedes started to walk towards her wardrobe whilst Sam remained unmoving.
"You need some aloe vera and ginger." His voice though smooth, somewhat startled her.
She turned to see him staring at her and gave him an inquisitive look. "Pardon?"
"For the swelling your Royal Highness."
"Were you given such a remedy?" She cocked her head to the side as she questioned him.
"No I must endure my pain as a reminder of my wrong doings." He spoke in a monotonous tone void of emotion.
"Then so must I. There are some covers located in the chest of drawers which you may use."
Mercedes opened the grand doors of her mahogany wardrobe, reaching out to grasp a white silk nightdress. She slowly unbuttoned her gown from the front mid-section and pulled it down her shoulders, letting it fall effortlessly to the ground; she then unlaced her white floral corset. She stood naked letting the light breeze tickle her skin. She could feel Sam's eyes trace her body, from the curls of her long hair which fanned out along her back, to the dip of every curve. She slowly pulled on her nightdress and crawled under her covers. She blew out the candles that illuminated her room and wished a quiet goodnight to Sam, who remained stood in the same place she had left him, completely speechless.
So there's the first chapter, please review I'd really appreciate it, follow or favourite and again any questions do not hesitate to ask. I'm still definitely continuing with my other story fingers crossed there will be an update next week.
Until Next Time xo.