The moon shone upon the castle of Azarath. In front of a grim window sat a girl in her nightgown, reading an incredibly thick, leather covered book. She didn't notice that a tall woman in her thirties, wearing a sleek white nightgown walking into the room, with a dim candle in her hand.
"Raven," said the woman, in a tender, kind voice. The girl turned around, and stood up. "Greetings Your grace." Raven nodded her head, and bowed slightly. "Rise, my dear child." Queen Arella waved her hand elegantly and held her daughter's hand in hers.
Raven kissed her mother's hand and stood up. "What brings your highness here at my chamber during this late night?"
"My dear child, I am here to inform you about your marriage." Queen Arella smiled painfully. "Your father his majesty Emperor Trigon of Azarath and your brother his Royal Highness Crown Prince Lucifer have arranged a royal marriage for you." Queen Arella sighed.
"Is it the marriage between me and the prince of Krostak? I thought that I should be getting married at least two years later."
Queen Arella shook her head. "No, your father and brother have other plans. They described Krostak as a dying star. It was no longer a strong empire. The rebellion army in their country is getting stronger. The Royal House of Krostak is about to be overthrown. Therefore, you will not be marrying Prince George of Krostak." Queen Arella said to her daughter.
"Then, to who is I betrothed to?" Raven raised a questioning eyebrow. She was not quite worried about her marriage. Most of her betrothal ended without a trace. She was quite confident about this time, too. At the age of fifteen, she would hate to end up as a breeding machine in some foreign king's or prince's or duke's chambers.
"You, my dear, are betrothed to the Crown Prince of the Gotham Empire, Prince Richard Grayson Wayne." Queen Arella said, with a fainting smile on her smooth face. "The Royal Dressmakers will come tomorrow to prepare your betrothal gown. The betrothal ceremony will be held two months later. Dear, I wish you luck and my blessings." Queen Arella kissed Raven's forehead. "Now you should go to bed. See you tomorrow."
Raven bowed as Queen Arella walked out of her private chamber. She placed her book back into the shelf and threw herself into her bed. She was not surprised when her mother told her that she was betrothed to someone from Gotham. It was a powerful ancient kingdom with vast territory and strong armies. Her father will never let go of a chance to forge an alliance with Gotham. Raven has heard from the gossiping ladies of the court that her brother, Lucifer will be getting married later, too.
She sighed as she tossed and turned on her bed. She had always known that she was only a chess piece of a chess game called 'Scramble for Power and Concessions'. She was a tool for her father's ambition, a pawn in her father's chess game of power. Her mother was her father's cousin, the second in line for the throne of the Azarath Empire. He married her just to secure his throne, and keep maximum power to his hands.
And now he is sending Raven away, his only daughter to secure an alliance with Gotham. "I Rachael Raven Roth, must accept my unbearable faith?" She looked up at the arched ceiling upon her bed. She sighed and closed her eyes.
"Princess Rachael, it is time to wake up, your highness." Her lady in waiting, Lady Ellis, shook her shoulders slightly. Raven opened her eyes. "The Emperor ordered for your presence in the dining hall." Lady Ellis said, in an anxious tone.
Ravens stood up, and allowed maids to dress her in a blue coloured gown. She went to the dining hall with Lady Ellis.
"Princess Rachael has arrived!" The Royal messenger announced. Raven bowed to her family, who were sitting on the table.
"Your Majesties." Raven said.
"Ah, my precious gem," said her father, Emperor Trigon. "Do join us for breakfast."
Raven sat on her armchair, while the servants poured a glass of red fruit wine into her silver goblet. She took a sip from the goblet. "I heard that you ordered my presence, my lord." She said, in her usual monotone.
"Yes my daughter, I am sure that your mother has told you about your new betrothal?" Emperor Trigon raised his eyebrow, while a devilish grin hung across his face.
"Yes my lord, I have heard form my Queen Mother about my new betrothal." Raven replied coldly, and took a bite out of her blackberry pie.
"Very well, you will be married when the prince finished his battlefield training after your betrothal ceremony. The wedding will be held three months later after the betrothal, and it will be held in Gotham City, the capital of the Gotham Empire." Emperor Trigon said. "My precious gem shall shine on the crown jewel of the Gotham Empire, Ahaha!" He unleashed a devilish laugh. Raven finished her pie, and emptied her goblet. "May I be excused; I still have a private tutoring session with Master Mitchell." Raven stood up and bowed. She walked backwards, facing her family and walked out of the hall.
"Congratulations on your choice of your future husband, Princess Rachael." Master Mitchell said and bowed, as Raven entered the study chamber.
"I didn't choose anything, my father did." Raven looked at Master Mitchell. "I am afraid that I couldn't learn anymore from you, Master Mitchell. I was to be married to the Crown Prince of Gotham. And I wonder what languages they speak." Raven frowned and sighed.
"Don't worry, Princess Rachael. We share the common language." Master Mitchell said and smiled. "Now, what should we learn today? Politics? Or history?"
"I would rather self study today. I needed a moment alone, you may return to your chamber, Master Mitchell." Raven sat onto the armchair. Master Mitchell stoked his beard, and bowed, as he walked out of the chamber.
Raven sighed, as she put her Book of Azar onto her lap.
"Take this, Gar!" Two young men waved their swords on the back of their horses, one was laughing happily, and he had slightly green skin tone. The other grinned at his friend, his ebony hair was covered with small droplets of sweat. His blue eyes shone under the bright sun. The two tied their horses onto a tree, and they lied on the grass.
"I hear from the guards that you are getting married soon, Prince Richard." The young man who was called 'Gar' said to the other young man.
"Well, I don't know Gar. She is some foreign princess, from...the Azarath Empire, as I am told. But we will only be betrothed. The wedding takes place after my battlefield training." Robin said. "And call me Robin, I prefer that name."
"Sure Robin, but only when we are with friends, I don't want to get executed by committing the sin of disrespect towards Royalty." He laughed. His name was Garfield Logan, the knight companion of the Prince. "I wonder what Vic is doing?"
"Probably he is training as well." Robin said, and stood up. "Now, we must return to the palace."
"Why Robin? We were having fun here." Garfield frowned.
"Don't you want to have some fun with the ladies in court? You know the bed warmers." Robin winked at his friend, and they laughed together, as they ride back to the palace.
Raven stood on a stool, while the Royal dressmakers pushed pins and wrapped heavy silk around her. She was trying her best to hold still. "Must my gown be in red and black?" She sighed.
"Your mother, the Queen has ordered that the gown should be in red silk and black velvet, trimmed with black lace. Besides, you must wish to please your groom, isn't it your highness?" The dressmaker said as she wrapped an extra layer of red silk around Raven.
"No," Raven replied coldly. "And I totally loathed the idea of wearing this gown, even it is in our royal colour!" She looked away.
"Very well, Princess Rachael you could come back down." The dressmaker held Raven's pale hand and led her down. "Princess Rachael the gown will be ready in two weeks. We will come around two weeks later. "The dressmaker bowed and left.
Raven sighed, and sipped the cup of herbal tea that Lady Ellis handed to her. "Oh Lady Ellis, will you be escorting me to Gotham?"
Lady Ellis kissed Raven's pale hand. "I would be honored, as long as the Emperor and the Queen allowed me, I would accompany you."
"I am glad, that I would have a friend to accompany me, in case I created enemies." Raven said to Lady Ellis. "You shall be my extra eyes and ears, Ellis."
"I shall, your highness." Lady Ellis smiled. She was the same age as Raven, and the daughter of the Duke of Metrion.
The two young women smiled at each other.
"Princess Rachael! The Prince has arrived in Azarath, and they are coming to the city of Azar in no time." Her governess, Countess of Glidmore said to Raven, who was reading. Two months has passed, the Prince Richard has arrived in her country, to meet his future bride. Raven sighed as she closed her book. She walked upon a stool, and allowed her servants to put on her betrothal gown.
Laces were pretty irritating, Raven thought to herself.
"Make way for the Emperor and the Queen!" The servants quickly stepped aside. Emperor Trigon and Queen Arella walked inside the chamber. "My, my, aren't you gorgeous, my precious Rachael." Emperor Trigon exclaimed. He hugged his daughter tightly. "I can't believe that you are getting married."
Well I thought that was your policy, Raven thought to herself. But still, she said to her father. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Arella kissed Raven's forehead. "Bless you my child, may the gods pave your way in the future." Raven nodded and kissed her mother's ring. Queen Arella placed her hand onto Raven's head, and began to chant blessings in the ancient language of Azarath. She was also the High Priestess of Azarath. "Now, fulfill your destiny, child."
From that second that Raven heard her mother chanting words in ancient Azarthian; she knew that this was serious.
The Emperor and the Queen walked out of the chamber, and the servants hurried to prepare Raven for the betrothal ceremony.
But her heart stood still, and chilled. This time, she would really get married.
"It is now time, Princess Rachael." Madam Glidmore said to Raven. "Raise your head, dear. You are the Jewel of Azarath."
Raven walked out of her chamber, with Lady Ellis, straightening her gown.
"Sheesh Gar, have you ever saw the Princess of Azarath?" Robin whispered to Garfield, as they get ready in the guest chamber.
"No Sire," Garfield replied, while he admired the tapestries.
"Come on, only Father saw her portrait." Robin frowned.
"Don't worry, Robin. Everyone said that she is pretty. They called her the Jewel of Azarath. That won't be worst." Garfield patted Robin's shoulder. Robin put on his best clothes. He sighed and walked out of the chamber. A group of Azarath soilders, in shining black armor, saluted to him, and led him to the grand hall.
"The Crown Prince of Gotham has arrived!" All guards saluted, and the musician blew their horns. The guests stood up, men took off their hats while women bowed. Robin gulped, while walking towards the throne of Emperor Trigon.
"Your Majesty." Robin took off his hat. Emperor Trigon stood up and patted Robin's shoulder. "Broad shoulders, handsome face, muscular, well built body. You remind me much of your father, Emperor Bruce. Welcome, Richard." Emperor Trigon said to Robin. "Please be seated." Robin smiled.
"Thank you, your majesty." Robin said, and he took a look at the woman sitting next to Trigon. She was looking away, he walked to his seat to his seat.
"Hey Robin, is the woman sitting next to the Emperor the princess?"
"No Gar that is the Queen." Robin rolled his eyes. "The princess is not here yet." They sat impatiently. Robin's heart pounded. He was nervous.
"Princess Rachael has arrived!" The Royal messenger announced. Robin immediately looked towards the door. He saw a young woman walking into the hall. She has long dark violet hair, and violet eyes. He could not help but stare at her pale face.
Raven walked towards the throne of her parents. "Your Majesties." She bowed. Emperor Trigon walked down, and held his daughter's hand, pulling her up. "My precious gem," said Trigon. "Jewel of Azarath."
He took Raven's hand and walked towards Robin.
"Prince Richard, this is my daughter, your future bride." Trigon took Robin's hand and placed Raven's hand into Robin's. "I am now giving my daughter to you, Prince Richard. Do treat her well." Trigon flashed Robin a grin which he found disturbing. He smiled back, and looked at Raven.
She was looking at him calmly; those dark violet eyes did not reflect him, instead he felt that he was being sucked into a vortex. He felt like he was lost in those eyes, while suddenly, her chilly monotone woke him.
"Prince Richard, it is a pleasure to meet you." Raven bowed slightly and nodded. Her pale hand is still in his. He raised his hand, which is holding hers near his lips and pressed his dry lips onto her pale skin.
"Delightful to meet you too, Princess Rachael." He said. "May I invite you to sit next to me?"
"Pardon me, Prince Richard. I am afraid that I can't. I must sit with my mother at the betrothal ceremony and banquet. Please, do accept my apologies." Raven said, frowning.
"Ah I see, I guess we will have some time together later." Robin said. "See you around, Princess Rachael."
Raven nodded and walked back to her seat next to her mother.
"I believe that he pleases you, Raven dear?" Queen Arella asked, looking at her daughter.
"What if he doesn't? I would still have to marry him anyway. But he pleases me fairly. At least he wasn't as rude as the Prince of Krostak. He tried to kiss me when we first met." Raven said with a bitter smile on her face.
"If he is fine with you, then I shall be pleased." Queen Arella said, sipping her goblet of wine.
"What do you think about her, Gar?" Robin sat down and asked Garfield immediately.
"I bet she will make a fine wife, a fine princess and a fine queen, sire, also a fantastic mother." Garfield said confidently. "At least she looked better than that Princess Kitty last time, right?"
Robin glared at him and rolled his eyes. "By golly, you are right. She was what I would call as a hideous flirting whore." They both smiled.
The musicians blew the horn. Emperor Trigon stood up. "Dear Guests, today we gathered to witness the great betrothal of the Crown Prince of the Great Empire of Gotham, and our own Princess of Azar. We could share our joy and blessings to them. May the gods be with the two, and may they have children and grandchildren." The guests all clapped and cheered, as Trigon sat on his throne. The ceremony has begun.
"Prince Richard, please step forward." The priest asked Robin. He walked one step forward.
"And please, Princess Rachael." Raven took a step forward.
"In the name of the gods, the two young man and woman vowed to marry each other after their more important missions are fulfilled, and when time comes, he shall be together with her, for life, until death tears them apart." The priest dipped his hand into holy water, and pressed his hand on the two's foreheads. "God bless you all."
"I now announce," Royal messenger said loudly. "That Prince Richard Grayson Wayne, Crown Prince of Gotham Empire, is now betrothed with Princess Rachael Raven Roth, Princess of Azar."
The guests cheered, as Robin held Raven down the altar.
"Look! The Prince of Gotham and our Princess of Azar, greeting their noble subjects!" Emperor Trigon shouted. Raven blushed slightly, while Robin bowed.
"Now let the banquets begin!" Trigon shouted from his seat. Servants rushed into the hall, carrying dishes of delicacies.
"I shouldn't eat or drink too much, Gar." Robin said. "It is a hard tradition to follow, especially when the roast beef is served."
"I am sure about that, Sire. No wonder you ate that much when we were in the city." Garfield replied, chewing a huge piece of meat.
Robin sipped his goblet of wine, but his eyes were on Raven. He could barely breathe. Her beauty was breath-taking, that was for sure, but what if she was a horrible witch inside?
The banquet ended, and there was the boring entertainment by the poets reciting poems and the drama performances. The guests clapped after every performance. Finally, the grand banquet ended.
"Princess Rachael?" Raven raised her head as she heard her name. Robin was standing in front of her.
"Yes, Prince Richard?" Raven smiled at him for a second.
"Would you like to show me around the Royal Gardens?" Robin suggested, and he whispered. "The two of us, only."
Raven sensed danger, also she was curious. "I would be honored." She took his arm and walked through the hallways.
They walked into the dark gardens with dim lights from the oil lights. They kept quiet. Raven picked a rose from the rose bush.
"I believe that…you have no interest in flowers, do you, Prince Richard?" Raven pointed out her question. Robin smiled at her. 'You are smart, Princess Rachael. You are no fool." He said to her. "And please, call me Robin."
"Then I would request that you call me by my middle name, Raven." Se replied. "Now… Robin, tell me, what do you want from me?" She said, raising an eyebrow.
Robin smiled, and he leaned closer towards Raven. She could feel his warm and moisture breath on her face. "I just want to know more about you, Raven." She immediately walked ahead of him, blushing.
"We better go back to our own chambers, it is now late, Robin." She said, trying to hide her shyness.
"I should escort you back." He took her arm and they walked along the hallway. She clutched the rose that was held in her hand, the throns pricked her fingers and they bleed.
"Good night," said Robin. She walked into her private chamber, not replying.
It was until she went inside, that she realized the pain from her injured fingers.
Roses have thorns, she thought. Just like me.
The maids dressed her into her nightgown and she fell asleep.
Raven sat on an armchair, doing her needle embroidery. Queen Arella sat beside her. She was making the 'Bridal Cloth' for her daughter. Her delicate fingers held a fine needle, which went in and out of the piece of fine silk, creating an impressive yet elegant picture. Satisfied by her work, Queen Arella let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly, Raven's brother, Lucifer barged in, and scared the ladies as if they were frightened birds.
"Queen Mother," said Lucifer, bowing. "Sister." He nodded at Raven.
"What do you want, Lucifer?" Raven asked. "At least you could inform us about your visit, instead of barging in my private chamber."
"It was nothing really, except for Prince Richard and I are going to hunting later today, will you join us sister?" Lucifer smiled at her mischievously.
"I am sorry, Lucifer. I have to prepare for …the bridal issues, and I have no time for chasing the wildness." Raven said to him, smiling bitterly.
"Ah…may I have a moment with you please sister?" He said. "Alone."
Raven raised a questioning eyebrow and turned, bowing at Queen Arella. They walked into the study chamber.
"Now, what do you want Lucifer?" Raven said, motionlessly. "Don't waste my time."
"Well dear sister, I heard some gossips from the ladies in court, and by the Gods, those were not good gossips." Lucifer said, with a sarcastic smile on his face.
"What gossips?" Raven demanded coldly. "Speak it out, loud."
"You see, you and the prince were alone together for some time last night, and the people guessed what happened." Lucifer said.
"What do you mean? What is this gossip about? I want to know, now!" Raven exclaimed.
"It was said that, the Prince had deflowered you last night. Do you understand what I mean? Lucifer looked at her eyes.
"This…this is preposterous! How dare those wicked whores!" Raven spat in rage. "I can assure you, my brother, that he had not laid a finger on me. You can have my word on that."
"I am sure, my sister." Lucifer kissed Raven's hand. "The prince will be leaving soon, do enjoy your freedom, when you still could."
Lucifer smiled, and walked away.
Raven sighed and looked outside. The sun shone, what a total opposite with my mind, she thought.
Overwhelmed by her emotions, she stormed back into her private chamber.
"You highness," Lady Ellis bowed immediately. Raven did not reply as usual, she sat on her armchair, murmuring to herself.
Lady Ellis called one of the servant girls. "Ivory, go and get Princess Rachael a cup of hot herbal tea, be quick."
"Yes, Lady Ellis." She walked away and returned swiftly.
"Thank you Ivory." Lady Ellis took the cup, and walked next to Raven.
"Princess Rachael?" Lady Ellis held the cup next to Raven. Raven turned her head, and took the cup from Lady Ellis.
"Have you heard those rumors Ellis?" Raven asked, sipping the hot herbal tea.
"Yes, your highness." Lady Ellis said, trembling.
"What do you think about that?" Raven asked, looking into Lady Ellis's ebony eyes.
"Of…course it is only a court gossip Your Highness, I would not waste my time paying attention to that. I would rather fetch your food or other necessaries what so ever!"
Lady Ellis replied determinedly. Raven smiled.
"It is good to hear those words Ellis." She said, and drank her tea.
Today, the prince will be leaving, Raven thought to herself. And my days of freedom are starting to count down. She sighed.
"Raven dear," said Queen Arella. "I think you should go and bid Prince Richard goodbye and luck."
"Your grace," she nodded. "I will, Queen Mother. Excuse me for that." Raven bowed and walked along the corridor. Her new pair of heels made her feet extremely uncomfortable. Still, she took a deep breath, and walked to the gates of the castle.
Robin was petting his horse, with Garfield on his side, laughing his head off, and his own army of Gotham soldiers.
"Prince Richard, "Raven walked next to him and bowed.
"Princess Rachael," Robin replied as he took his hat off.
"I have come to bid you farewell and good luck at your battlefield training." Raven said to him, as formally as she could.
"Why, thank you Princess Rachael." Robin replied. "Please wait, I wish to give you a gift." He took off his leather gloves, and took a ring from his pocket.
"Please, Princess Rachael, your hand." He put his hand in front of her. Raven slowly put her hand up. He slid the ring onto her index finger.
"This is a token of promise, Princess Rachael. This ring belongs to my late mother, The Queen of Gotham. This ring belongs to each princess of Gotham, and will be passed down from generation to generation. I now gave this ring to you, and I will marry you. I promise." He kissed her hand.
"I trust you Prince Richard. Good luck and good bye." Raven said, and turned around, walking away.
Robin looked at her disappearing shadow, and hopped onto his horse.
"Let go Gar," he said, whipping his horse, and left the majestic castle.
Raven saw the soldiers marched after the prince.
There we go, she thought. The countdown now starts.
She sighed, as she knew that she will be in a dangerous game of power.
This will be tough, but for my country, and the survival of my people, I have to bear the burden.
She has to bear the burden of being a pawn in a game, which men fought for power in it.
Women have no say in it, not even if you are a princess.
All she could do is do what she was told to do so.
That is hard, but that is her destiny.
What could she do? Nothing.
Nothing at all but to accept her fate.
Author's note:
Wow, this is my new creation.
Enjoy and review!
V.S.V