Early morning breaks out through my window. The light seeps in discreetly; my long, velvet curtains contain most of it. Sluggishly, I drag myself over to the largest window in my entire room. It is in the shape of an arch and is at least twice my height and half as wide as it is tall. Fingering the vast folds of cloth between my fingers, I pull at the expensive fabric, absorbing the softness of the satin into the palm of my hand. In an instant, I draw back the curtains and the sun shows its full force as it rages into my quarters. Shrinking back at the light, I hold up an arm to the superior vigor to shield my vision. The glare is overwhelming and I squint to see over the horizon. Surprised, I spot a caravan at the edge of our gates with many villagers and guards scattered about, exciting great clouds of ivory dust. Grand blue and silver flags stream in the harsh breeze.
Eager to unearth the cause of all this commotion, I rush to my closet to pick out my garments. Flipping past multiple shirts and skirts and pants, there are none that satisfy me. Fed up with my large collections of clothing making decisions difficult, I urgently slip a simple, white shirt over my shoulders and a short pleated skirt over my thighs. I quickly promenade down our grand staircase. Nearing the bottom, I slow to a casual and reserved stroll as my position as Nephera is much respected and I should treat with such circumspect. Step after step, I gracefully descend and greet my mother.
"Good morn, Mother," I am cautious of the spectators occupying the room are choose my words with care, "May I inquire to who our revered visitors may be?"
"As I have told you early on this autumn, I have arranged a marriage for you between the heir of Wruai and yourself. Eliade is here to court you and your bonding has already been decided. As tradition calls for in these lands, your marriage is solely for political purposes and desire comes second to duty," she reminds me with care of my responsibilities that come with the title of Nephera.
"Yes I understand," though disappointed with this arrangement, I know I am obligated to uphold tradition and think for the welfare of our kingdom; I must think for what is best for Quiore, "I think it would be nice if I could just meet my fiancé before the wedding takes place--"
As I speak, a young man steps forward from the crowd. Suddenly, he comes forth and takes my hand in his and brushes his lips across it. Taken aback from this abrupt action, I draw back faintly but then regain my composure. I look up and study his features. His hair is straight and in a dark brown tone. His facial structure is refined and sleek. Then, looking into his eyes, I see something else. They are piercing crimson, like a scarlet inferno burning viciously in the hearth of his being. He is so beautiful and is, without doubt, one of the most stunning men I have ever seen in my lifetime. So much so that my breath is drawn from my lungs and I quickly avert my gaze, my cheeks flushing rapidly with embarrassment for staring. I sneak another glance at his face, but avoid his eyes.
"I am your husband to be," Eliade's mouth curves into a smile, "Pleased to meet you too, Nephera."
With grace, he sweeps away and I am left, gawking at the place where he once stood. Uncomfortable with such familiarity in his touch, I am relieved that he has left. My mother looks at me with disproval for my ill-mannered behavior. The silent warning was discreet yet apparent.
"Please, Raevyn, you must be more respectful than that," my mother comments with vigilance, "You know that you must honor this relationship for the sake of the liaison between our kingdoms."
I need to bathe so I walk back toward the grand staircase. I make my way through the crowds of nobles and servants and guards. I can't believe it! I'm actually getting married. I'm not disappointed with my future husband, though the thought of him being it is a little unnerving. I think he is really gorgeous. He moves with grace, like a wild stallion, the fire of his free will burning in his eyes and elegance in his strides. Somehow, though, his presence is somewhat startling. The things that make him so beautiful also make him one to fear. Such splendor and poise seems only to belong to the devil himself and that thought itself scares the hell out of me.
Lost in my contemplation, I run right into somebody. Forced out of my trance, I swerve around quickly to apologize, "Oh, I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking and—"
Standing before me is Gi with a magnificent smile spread across his face, completely different from the frightening one of Eliade, "Rae, it's no problem. I've actually been looking for you."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, I just wanted to congratulate you on your engagement with the heir of Wruai. It's a good match. So how do you like him? What is he like?"
"Um, he's, uh, nice," What am I supposed to say? There really are no words to describe this puzzling yet mesmerizing man, "Strange, I must admit, but not really in a bad sense. Really graceful, I must admit and, in a way, terrifying."
I didn't mean to make the last part sound so harsh. Gi just grins, "So sort of weird, like you?"
I playfully punch him, "Oh shut up. I need to go bathe now, so I'll see you later."
"I better leave you to your feminine needs now. I have to speak to the captain of my guard group. I'll talk to you later," Gi says, mocking me as usual.
Gi leaves in the opposite direction and I continue on my way. When I get to the bathing room, a maid turns on the water for me and I stare into the tub as it slowly fills with water. The pitter patter of the water droplets splashing sounds like thunder. Like rain and thunder from my dreams. With my busy schedule, I haven't given them another thought for quite a while. I could just see those glinting emerald eyes seeing through me. To tell the truth, they reminded me a lot of Eliade's, only less vicious and softer. I could get lost in those eyes for an eternity.
The rush of the waterfall of water slows to a stop and I remove my garments. Cautious of the heat, I carefully dip a foot in and stretch it until it is touching the floor of the tub, and then extend my other leg in as well. I lower myself in steadily. My back slides down the glassy ceramic walls and slowly submerge under the water. First the clear liquid rises to my collarbone, then to my chin, and to my nose. I sink lower and lower. The farther I sink, the more I relax and escape my problems, if only for these moments. Taking a deep breath, I squeeze my eyes shut and dunk my entire head under, hoping to wash away all my fears and troubles. I stay in this position for minutes and don't bother to clean myself. This bath's purpose was more to cleanse my mind rather than my body, for me to organize my thoughts.
Unexpectedly, there was a rap on the door that interrupts the peace of my subconscious mind.
"What is it?"
"The Yunephera requests that you spend some time getting to know the heir to Wruai, your husband."
"Okay, give me a few minutes and I'll be out soon."
I hurriedly slip on my clothing I had worn earlier this morning. Bending forward, I flip my hair and tie it up with a ribbon because it is still drenched and I don't want it dampening objects that are meant to be left dry.
I step outside the room to find a dainty maid standing before me. Wearing a blue blouse and skirt, it signals that she of a low social status. I signal to her to lead the way. As I obediently follow her, a slight tingle of panic climbs its way up my spine. The brightly lit halls and corridors of Quiore's palace dampen my fears a little. My hands are clammy and sweating in anticipation as we walk and I hastily smear them across the hem of my gown. We near an open door, and, as the servant leads me inside and bids me farewell, I am left all alone in the room with this stranger. I force myself to meet his burning eyes dutifully. For a few moments, we simply sit there in silence. I feel uncomfortable and feel responsible to start conversation because this is, after all, my home and he is the one who should feel misplaced. I squirm yet cannot think of what to say but no matter for he is the one to break the ice.
"You are beautiful," His eyes flash with sincerity and grow a more intense garnet. He observes my expression closely and I feel more self conscious.
Surprised at his words, I flush deep rouge once again. I take a deep breath before I speak. "Thank you."
Abruptly, he reaches forth with his arm and holds his palm against my cheek and brushes his thumb under my eye. He sparks another devious smile and says, "I am lucky to have you as my wife."
I impulsively recoil in response to the familiarity he expresses for we have only known each other for minutes. He quickly draws away and the smile flickers for a moment before it fades into a frown. "I'm not going to hurt you. In Wruai, the expression of such acquaintance is common and when you travel to my kingdom, you must know to get used to the feel of my flesh, or anyone else's, against yours. I am aware of cultural difference; I am not ignorant of such facts that divide my kingdom from yours," The corners of his lips stretch into a barely noticeable, bitter line. His fiery eyes fiercely glare straight into mine. "Understand the situation, Raevyn. If you have not noticed, our kingdoms are on the verge of war. Not to mention the Khari are beginning to get involved as well. This is the last line, Raevyn. This must work in order to unite our two colonies in peace.
"Or maybe," looking out the window, he continues, "you are simply unaware of the politics of Quiore, Wruai, and Khari. You are blinded from reality by wealth and fortune. I don't know much about the governing the royal family conducts in your empire but in Wruai, nobility mingle among its markets and see life at its truest."
He looks right at me. "We must strive to make this arrangement work. It's not for us, Raevyn; it's for our people."
He masks his face under the suave smile, once again as he regains his reserve. "Thank you for your time. I hope you consider my words with care."
With that, Eliade departs from the room and I am left alone to consider in solitude. I must admit, he completely monopolized the conversation. Not a word I had really gotten in of my opinion but I start contemplating about his wisely spoken words. They had truth to them, oddly enough. If the words he had said were true about the world around me, I had indeed been shielded from these facts.
Wind escapes through the south window and gently rustles the satin red curtains, calling me to it. Outside, a gust sweeps through the forests, stirring the branches and leaves of the trees. Closing my eyes, I listen, hoping to understand the meanings of what Eliade had said. Concentrating on the world around me, I hear the current of air, whispering wispy secrets past my ears. I feel it as well. Slowly, gradually, the air surrounds me; the fresh scent of pines enveloping me and I give in to my desire. Leaning, little by little. Rising, little by little. I surrender to the force of the wind and am wrapped in a shell of sky. My hair picks up in the chilling gust and is tousled about my head. The draft scoops under my feet and lifts me up progressively and slowly. I then ascend to the clouds in a burst of speed with ease and I depart my dilemma, leaving it behind with the ground. The sun is beating at an even greater strength than earlier. It is a ripe golden orange hanging amongst leaves of sky from an unseen branch. The skies are shades of blue and yellow and red and orange. Clouds dance overhead as they churn with vibrant vivacity as they swim across the vast ocean of vivid color.
My thoughts are drawn back to Eliade. The man's eyes captivated me and I knew that, although they are of such an unusual tint, they are sincerely that vigorous. There had been an air about him that made me shy away from him yet something compelling about him that drew me toward him. He is unlike anyone I have ever met in my lifetime, I'll give him that. His movements are graceful like a tiger's and his smile seemed so deceptive, like a fox. Debonair and cavalier Eliade was; his movements so nonchalantly polished.
I stay up in the air, simply gliding over the wooded land of Quiore when I hear my mother calling for me from outside as she spots me. Nervous of what reprimanding I am to receive for leaving without a notice at such dangerous times. She leaps into the air and I stop as she catches up to me. Instead of scolding me, she calmly remarks, "Come now, it is nearly time for breakfast."
With that, she heads off back down to the palace and I follow close behind. Her silvery windswept hair, sinuous in a river of silk, streams behind her. Reluctant to leave the freedom of my skyward haven, I trail behind her by several yards. I near a balcony and brace myself for a landing. The air resistance between the marble and my body shrinks and the wind under me churns and picks up dust from a lack of space to push me up. Slowly, my feet make contact with the cold stone floor. Wind unravels from all around me and I shut my eyes for a brief moment, savoring the feeling of flight and lack of restriction. The breeze that once surrounded me and carried me toward the skies dissipates and I am now back-to-earth, literally. I hastily slide my feet into a pair of slippers hurry downstairs.
At breakfast, I pick indifferently at my eggs for my mind drifts elsewhere, back to Eliade. His eyes, mostly. Those piercing red eyes. Frighteningly relentless, those crimson eyes look right through me in my memory. Unforgettable and unforgiving. Somehow, I cannot picture spending an eternity with this man and I know that he must not feel at ease under these conditions either. I know we will have to work something else for the best for both of us. His face was not unpleasing to look at, though; that is not it. I feel strangely up tight under his gaze. In all truth, he is definitely the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on. Hold on. I am obsessing over this man I have barely just met. Why do I care so much? Because he is to be my husband? Arrangements like this are always made. I try to force myself not to allow him to consume my thoughts as well as my marriage.
A voice interrupts my deep thoughts. "So the new Nepher has decided to join us in our meal!"
A few nobles offer him a seat by theirs with circumspect, but avoiding making eye contact. Slightly embarrassed by our earlier encounter, I catch his gaze and refuse to be the first to back out of the lock. He smiles again, deceptively, and saunters over next to me. I feign a smile back as he pulls out the chair adjacent to mine and says, "May I?"
Without waiting for an answer, he seats himself down and drapes an elegant arm across my back. A few of the people also sitting at the table are slightly taken aback by how "close" we are already and I was about ready to flinch as well before I remind myself to maintain my poise. I discreetly draw away from his touch and his arm retreats to his side. Do I fear Eliade? I am no longer able to answer that question with a solid "no", for in the back of my mind, I honestly don't know anymore.
I finish eating my breakfast, trying to avoid conversation in fear of saying something stupid. When I am as nervous as I am now, I can't speak right and my thoughts come out as a tangle of thoughts compressed into a jumble of incomprehensible words. Eliade tries to begin a "friendly" chat, but I feebly brush off his attempts with somewhat cold replies.
"This food is most excellent," What a lousy excuse for a comment
"Hmm."
Days go by and I grow slightly more accustomed to Eliade's fiery gaze. I don't see too much of him, but that's partly due to the fact that I consciously try to avoid him. Don't get me wrong, I do strive with a painstaking effort to be more familiar around him, but it's quite difficult with when I fear his stare. Gi is off on a mission to stabilize some fighting that broke off in the east. It's true that I miss him, but my mind is currently preoccupied with too many other worries to think too much about him. Negotiations grow nearer and nearer; I'm not too hassled about that, though, because if I'm marrying the heir to their throne, there can't be that much tension between the two kingdoms. However, the day creeps up the calendar and I discover that tomorrow, six days after my meeting with Eliade, the day has finally arrived.
Thanks for reading!
PLEASE REVIEW, it would be greatly appreciated-- and your imput would help me write this story.
