Hello! I'm glad to be finally able to publish the next chapter of this story.
"I would like to take this opportunity to announce that a revised version of Amber Star has just been released! I would like to really thank Repost, a native English speaker who loved my story so much that he offered to help me revise it in return for more Amber Star chapters! What's different between my original and the revised version? Well, it's worded from a native English speaker's perspective as it isn't my native tongue and there are a few differences, but in terms of plot, it's largely the same. As for anything else, well, you're just going to have to read on to find out! He has worked really hard on this since the end of April and deserves the credit for all the changes and improvements that you'll see in the revised version of this story. As of now, all the previous 13 chapters have been revised and he's just making final grammar/spelling/revisions. He'll also be working on chapter 14 of the original revision and future chapters as well! :)"
So, stay tuned!
Chapter 14: Later
The air in the underground room was stifling and droplets of water started running down the walls. Despite the suffocating heat, the men were all gathered around the round altar, wearing their black capes over their heads. Suddenly, the door flung open. Everyone turned to the threshold and saw Lord Cyrus striding in and take his place among his comrades. The door shut with a loud thud.
«My comrades», the nobleman began. «the Gods are favoring us at last!» His grave voice echoed in the room. «It is true that our plan to get rid of the king has failed. Our swords weren't enough, but we have been gifted with a far more powerful weapon», he said sniggering. His comrades' gazes focused on Cyrus.
"My suspicions turned out to be well-founded! King Arslan is but a puppet moved by childish whims and easily manipulated. He has no ambition, his young mind is clouded! While his people invest all their efforts and energy to bring Pars back to her former glory, our sovereign is busy taking that savage Lusitanian girl to his bed!"
A buzz of disapproval filled the room. Lord Cyrus smiled meanly.
«What are you saying?» asked one of the men, quivering with anger and shame.
«Are you sure, Lord Cyrus?» another one asked.
«My eyes see everything in this palace! No conversation escapes my ears!» Cyrus.
«This is an outrage!» cried one man. The noble counselor kept silent and left the floor to his companions, who lost no time and vented all their indignation with shouts and insulting words. Cyrus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. That tangle of voices trembling with anger cheered him immensely.
After a few minutes, the nobleman imposed silence again with a wave of his hand. When he was certain that he had obtained everyone's attention, he called for the help of his companions to spread the news, but recommended that they act with discretion. Cyrus knew that spreading discontent to the whole Court was a very delicate operation, on which the success of his plan would depend. If the situation got out of hand and news of the king's relationship with the Lusitanian commander leaked ahead of time, Arslan and his men would have a chance to rearrange and turn the situation in their favor.
«We'll let the king have fun with his mistress», stated Lord Cyrus, «or rather, let him believe his little secret is safe. The day will come when he himself will make a mistake and it is only then that we will act.» The nobleman turned and beckoned to the soldier guarding the door to approach. It was the man who had told him of Etoile's suspicious presence in the royal quarters. The man had remained silent by the door during the whole meeting.
«Take five men from my personal escort with you and keep an eye on the king and the Lusitanians. Do as you're told», whispered Cyrus. The soldier nodded and after a brief bow, he left the room.
The sun had already begun its slow descent over the horizon when Arslan finally sent for Étoile and his men. The five Lusitanian knights put on their blue robe with the white two-armed cross and reached the stables where the king awaited them. Arslan was already on his horse. He wore a simple tunic and a dark cloak long enough to cover the short sword hanging from his side. When he saw the knights approaching, he greeted them with a broad wave of his arm. Riding on that horse, dressed like that and smiling as he waved, Arslan was as far away from the ideal image of a ruler as Yanis thought. Behind him appeared Elam, who was leading his horse out of the stable.
«Sorry to keep you waiting most of the day», Arslan said when the Lusitanians finally caught up with him.
«No problem», replied Étoile promptly. They exchanged a fleeting knowing glance, then the young woman led her men into the stable to saddle their horses. Shortly afterward, the group left the Royal Palace to reach the inner quarters of the city. Arslan led the others through the streets of the capital still swarming with people. Men who carried heavy rolled-up carpets on their shoulders and women holding amphoras full of water balanced on their heads, quickly moved away as the group trotted by. The journey went on smoothly and no one recognized the king, who had providentially covered his head with the hood of his cloak. Soon the city around them began to change. The houses along the way became smaller and less rich. Some of them had had their doors stolen, the walls of others were stained with blackish patches. Of others, only a few ruins remained, on which the moss had taken root.
«This is the area that suffered the worst damage during the war», Arslan explained to the Lusitanian knights.
The narrow street they took led them into a small circular square. In the center stood a stone fountain. A part of the basin had collapsed inside, where once was collected the water gushing from the statue that adorned the center of the fountain, now reduced to a pile of rubble. Around the small square, there were some small houses reduced to the same state as the ones lined up along the street they had just trotted through.
Arslan stopped and exhorted the others to do the same.
«Nobody's here», Étoile said looking around.
«As I told you, the people who live here spend most of their time locked up in their homes», he said as he approached one of the houses. Elam, Étoile and her men followed him. Before they could reach it, the door flung open. A young woman came out, wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, and advanced into the square. She was carrying two large terracotta vases, one on each arm, and seemed not to notice the presence of Arslan and the knights until she was only a couple of meters away from them. The young girl froze and the tiredness that weighed down her face soon turned first into amazement, then into agitation.
Sensing the young woman's state of mind, Arslan smiled graciously and took off his hood in an attempt to calm her down. The reaction he got was the exact opposite. The girl stared at him almost horrified. She hurriedly put the two vases on the floor and knelt down.
«Your Majesty!», she exclaimed, bowing her head. «You-Why-I», stammered the young woman, not daring to look up.
Étoile and the Lusitanian knights exchanged a look filled with perplexity. Until then, no one had ever reacted in such a way in the presence of the king. As they themselves had seen, the people loved King Arslan, yet this woman seemed absolutely terrified of him.
Arslan was the most puzzled of all. He approached the young woman, who lowered her head even more when she felt the sovereign approaching.
«Please, stand up! Don't be afraid», he told her in a calm tone. The woman finally looked up and hurried to get up, more out of obedience than relief.
«Is your name Anahita?», Elam asked, stepping forward.
«Yes, it's me... », confirmed the woman. «Are you here for my husband?», she asked in a trembling voice.
«Is he here?», Arslan asked, smiling in the hope of calming her, but again, it had the opposite effect. Anahita went pale.
«He didn't do anything!», she exclaimed, «Whatever they told you, it's a lie!»
Étoile stared at the woman. Anahita was just a couple of years older than she was, yet her dark eyes conveyed a sense of weariness and resignation. The young commander approached Anahita and smiled at her.
«Fear not, no one will accuse you of anything. I am Commander Étoile and these are my men», she said, pointing to the small group behind her. «We are Lusitanian knights and we are here to help you.»
Anahita looked at her dazed.
«Lusitanians?», she repeated, nervously shifting her gaze from the commander's face to the king's. Arslan nodded with a smile.
«I don't understand... », said the young woman as she stepped back.
«What's going on?», someone asked in a deep, suspicious voice. Everyone turned toward the street they had come from. That voice belonged to a young man, who had approached the group without being noticed.
«Theo!», Anahita called him. Étoile looked at him. The man had big dark eyes, an oval face and short light hair. He was looking at Anahita with apprehension, occasionally giving the king nervous looks. He must have been this woman's husband, Étoile thought.
«What's going on?», Theo asked again, casting a surprised look at the Lusitanian knights.
«Nothing you need to worry about», Arslan reassured him as he got closer. The young man looked suspiciously at him.
«Majesty», he said, bowing his head as a sign of greeting. «Forgive my mistrust, but every other time you have gone as far as this remote square was as a result of some accusation against us. You say you care for our condition, but your visits in the past have only made things worse.»
Theo's raw sincerity annoyed Elam, who looked at him frowning. Kostàs, on the other hand, felt extremely relieved to learn that even the legendary King Arslan had failed at something.
«I was trying to smooth out the differences between your community and the parsian community. You know how much I want you to feel a full part of this city», Arslan said. Theo sighed. «I know I've made mistakes, but this won't happen again. Allow me to present Commander Étoile and the valiant knights in her service», the king turned to Étoile and her men. Theo, however, did not give him time to continue with the introductions.
«Years ago, I asked for your permission to live in Ecbatana and you granted me this privilege. I desire nothing more», he said as he approached Anahita.
«Are you giving up, then?», Etoile asked when Theo walked past her. The man stopped and looked severely at her.
«I've given up already, a long time ago», he answered her annoyingly.
«That's not what a Lusitanian warrior would say», the young commander pointed out. Theo's gaze grew darker.
«I am no longer a warrior. Honestly, I don't think I ever was. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm not even Lusitanian anymore," he said in a firm voice. He turned and kept walking towards Anahita.
«Denying who you are won't make it any easier. I know what I'm talking about», Étoile exclaimed. Theo took his wife by the hand and walked to their house overlooking the small square. «You must face your fears sooner or later. The horror of that war still haunts you, doesn't it?», the young Lusitanian girl exclaimed.
Theo stopped, but he didn't dare look back at her. Étoile started talking again. «It's not entirely the king's fault that this city still can't accept you, is it? You want to avoid it yourself. You think living as a recluse will also allow you to avoid facing your demons, your guilt, your memories of that terrible war.»
Arslan looked at her. Étoile's gaze was firm and determined, as was the tone of her voice. His men listened in silence. Theo clenched his fists and turned towards the commander. His eyes were filled with anger, regret and sadness at the same time.
«No, you don't know what you're talking about!», cried the man pointing his finger at her. «You can't know how terrible that war was. All those innocent lives destroyed for the thirst for power and wealth! You are still young, Commander, but soon you will realize that there is nothing heroic about being a knight!»
«You're wrong!», Etoile exclaimed, clenching her fists. Her amber eyes dimmed. «I was there, I fought that war too. And I remember the smell of dust, blood, and burnt corpses. When I came home and saw what had happened, I felt so desperate and disappointed that I thought about leaving the army.» The young Lusitanian girl remained silent for a few moments. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, while the memories of those years filled her mind. She felt everyone's gaze upon her. For the first time she had found the courage to open her heart and talk about that dark moment in her life.
«Then I remembered why I had wanted so much to become a knight», Étoile said, «It was the only way to succeed my grandfather and father, of course, but there was more: I wanted to make a difference, to help my people and my country. I learned that being a soldier is not just about fighting, killing and go to war. I can help people, and whether you like it or not, I'm going to help you too, and the others who live here. Because you're not alone, are you?», she concluded looking around.
She could perceive the curious and frightened looks of many other people watching the scene from the shadow of their ruined houses.
Arslan looked at her with a smile full of admiration. He had always envied Étoile for the strength, determination and energy with which she devoted herself to her knightly duties. Nothing ever seemed to discourage her, not even in the darkest moments he had seen the sparkle that lit her eyes go out.
Arslan, on the other hand, had often felt insecure, weak, overwhelmed by his responsibilities and only the support of his companions and his people had allowed him to become the man and king that everyone now admired. Finding out that Étoile had also succumbed to despair was by no means a disappointment. On the contrary, that weakness of hers made her even more wonderful in his eyes.
Arslan wasn't the only one who was struck by this hidden and less valiant side of the Lusitanian commander. Kostàs watched her in silence. Suddenly he realized, more than he already knew, that Étoile embodied the spirit of the warrior he aspired to become: loyal, strong, brave, but at the same time human, with all the flaws that this would entail. They shared the same values, the same passions and the same destiny. He felt that there was something powerful and deep binding them together, something she could never have with Arslan. They were different, too different. They had nothing in common, they had different characters and temperaments, different roles, different cultures and different faiths. Kostàs felt enormously relieved. Perhaps he had misunderstood, perhaps he was too carried away by his impulsive character. What could have come about between two such different people? Even if King Arslan was attracted to her, Kostàs couldn't blame him. Étoile wouldn't give in. She had no reason to.
Her honor and pride would not have allowed her to destroy everything she had suffered so much for. The young knight had the impression that his heart had become lighter and that his mind, which had been clouded by dark thoughts for so long, had finally brightened.
Anahita held her husband's hand affectionately.
«This time it might work. That girl seems very determined», she whispered as she glanced at the commander.
«Why is that? What's different this time...», Theo told her.
«They are Lusitanians», Anahita replied. «They will be on our side.»
«You really believe that? For all I know they could be impostors disguised as Lusitanians», her husband told her. Theo's insinuations did not please Arslan nor, of course, the Lusitanian knights.
«What does that mean? Imposters, us? You're the one who abandoned his people and his country to live here!», exclaimed Thibaut outraged.
«We have always been faithful to Lusitania and to God Almighty!», Yanis yelled, shaking the Yaldabaoth's cross necklace in his hand.
Étoile silenced her men with a wave of her hand. She stared Theo right in the eye. The man held her gaze.
«You don't have to accept our help, of course», she said, «but your wife is right. I'm very determined, and if you think you can get rid of me that easily, you're sadly mistaken!»
«What Commander Étoile means to say is that a Lusitanian knight could never abandon a comrade in distress», Malakai said, stepping forward and smiling graciously at Theo.
The man looked down on his wife's face. Anahita smiled softly at him.
«Although you are no longer a soldier, I am sure you remember that this is one of the core values of every knight», Malakai continued. Theo sighed deeply.
«I remember, of course», he said. Then he turned to his wife. «I'm doing this for you», he whispered, smiling at her. Anahita's eyes lit up.
«All right. I'm curious to find out what awaits us this time.»
«Would it be too much to show a little gratitude?», Yanis commented.
«That's all right», said Etoile crossing her arms. «They'll have plenty of time to be grateful.»
Arslan was thrilled. He was extremely pleased with how Etoile had handled the situation and how she had managed to persuade that man to trust her, or at least to accept her help. One more proof that involving his Lusitanian guests had been a good idea.
Shortly afterward he made it clear to Elam that it was time to return to the Palace and leave Étoile and her comrades to their activities. Yanis and Thibaut had wasted no time and were already officially introducing themselves to Theo and Anahita. It was evident that Arslan's presence wasn't necessary anymore. So, the king left the square, but not before taking Étoile aside to whisper to her to join him in his private study that same evening and report. The tone with which he uttered those words and the look in his eyes made the young woman blush.
Étoile and her men stayed for several hours in the small neighborhood before returning to the Palace for the night. Not only did they get to know Theo and Anahita better, but they also discovered that the modest little houses that were huddled around the small square were inhabited by many other people who could use a little support.
Everyone was rather suspicious and did not enthusiastically welcome the sudden arrival of the knights, but some out of curiosity, some others out of boredom, still approached the group. Étoile was just the same satisfied. She would earn their trust little by little.
That night Étoile told Arslan how upset those men were to see a young woman leading a small military company. She said it with pride before she burst out laughing. Arslan joined her. She then told him that they had met a young blacksmith who had left home more to seek his fortune than to fight, and another who, before becoming a soldier, wanted to become a sailor like his father had been. Her amber eyes shone with enthusiasm as she talked about how eager she was to know more about those people and how she could help them.
Arslan looked at her smiling. He poured some red wine into two silver cups and handed one to the girl.
«Thank you», she said, taking the cup. She took a sip of wine and let her gaze wander past the window. The king's private study overlooked an elegant little square with a fountain in the middle. The water collected in the basin reflected the moon shining in the night sky.
«If you came closer you could see the torches lined up on the outer walls», Arslan observed while sipping wine.
«Someone might see me here, with you. Alone», Etoile pointed out to him, keeping her distance from the window. Arslan giggled.
«And what's the problem? I called you in to report on today's activities, that's all. Am I right?», he said with some malice.
«Of course», the young woman said, looking up.
«What do your men think?», Arslan asked while drinking some more wine.
«They are thrilled. I must confess that Kostàs did not seem very happy to extend our stay in Ecbatana, but today I saw him more willing», she replied.
«I see», Arslan nodded. «As I told you, you are free to act as you see fit. You can come and go without consulting me, I just ask you to keep me informed».
«Of course. Tomorrow morning we'll go back there and stay there all day. I want those people to understand that we're on their side», Étoile said while drinking a sip of wine.
«I'm sure you'll do a great job», Arslan reassured her as he got closer. Étoile smiled softly at him.
For a few moments, they remained silent, looking at each other in the eye. Arslan could not tell whether it was the wine warming his chest or the sight of Étoile, who looked more beautiful than ever in the dim light of the room. He drank his last sip of wine and approached the commander. He could feel her breath on his lips.
«You have my report now, Your Majesty. It's time for me to go, isn't it?», whispered Étoile glancing back at him.
«Not yet», replied Arslan. He took the cup from her hands and placed it next to his on the nearby desk. He bent over her and kissed her on the lips. Étoile did not oppose; in fact, she let herself melt in his arms and kissed him with equal passion as Arslan's hands moved on her back.
«Stay with me tonight», he whispered in her ear, as he undid the strip that held her hair tied. Étoile sighed.
«Arslan ...», she said before the king silenced her with another kiss. He took her hand and led her to the bookcase. He moved some heavy books placed on the lower shelf and there was a snap. Arslan placed his hands on the wooden frame of the shelf and pushed. The central section of the bookcase rotated on itself and opened onto a dark corridor. Arslan took Étoile's hand and entered it. The shelf turned on itself again and closed behind them.
Étoile asked no questions. She wasn't surprised that secret passages like that existed in a Royal Palace. After barely a dozen meters they encountered a door. Arslan opened it without delay and a dim light lit their faces. Étoile recognized the room at once. They were in the king's bedroom. Arslan closed the door.
«No one knows that you are here now, if that is what you fear», he told Étoile embracing her.
«I guess not», she answered smiling. «But what if-»
«Elam is in charge of the guards outside. No need to worry», Arslan explained smiling. The young woman relaxed a bit and let him squeeze her in his arms as he kissed her passionately. Étoile staggered for a moment, overwhelmed by the impetus with which the young man had rushed at her, but she did not separate herself from him even for a moment. She threw her arms around his neck and tilted her head to the side, indulging in the touch of his lips. Arslan grabbed her by the hips and pushed her against the wall. He began to nibble her neck and Étoile could not hold back a moan of pleasure. The girl blushed with embarrassment. Arslan stopped to look at her for a moment, panting and eager to make her his once again. Étoile held his burning gaze for a few seconds before hiding her face against his shoulder.
«When you look at me like that I ...», she said breathlessly.
«You what?», Arslan asked her, lifting her face and looking into her eyes again.
«Can't you guess?», she answered brushing his lips with hers.
«You'll have to give me a hint», the young man teased her pressing her against the wall.
Étoile slowly raised her hands on his chest, caressing him and fiddling with the hem of his tunic. Arslan untied his sash and the tunic went loose. His chest was still bandaged. Étoile brushed the bandages with her fingers, then her hands moved to his burning skin. Arslan felt a shiver running down his spine. He couldn't wait any longer. The young man grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her fiercely. He picked her up his arms and carried her to his bed.
They fell together on the mattress, tangled in a suffocating embrace, as their hands wandered over their bodies and clutched at their clothes to rip them off.
They surrendered to passion, unconcerned about everything else. They would worry later about what awaited them outside that room. They would think later about how to make their relationship work in the shadows. They would take care of the scratches that Étoile was tracing on Arslan's back, when his lips wandered over her body leaving a trail of burning kisses.
Later.
Now the only things that mattered were their love, their caresses and their gazes, as deep as night.